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Seize the opportunity to be inspired and empowered as Griot James Small returns to our classroom. Professor Small will share his powerful vision for what the Black Community can achieve this year and reveal actionable steps we can all take to maximize our collective potential. Before Professor Small takes the mic, you’ll receive a personal mini chart reading for the New Year from legendary Astro-numerologist and acclaimed author Lloyd Strayhorn—just provide your birth name and date of birth to unlock unique insights tailored to you. Discover the hidden secrets of happiness and learn how to live a truly stress-free, fulfilling life with Ra Amen, founder of the renowned Ausar Auset Society. Don’t just listen—be part of the movement!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 12-14; Luke 5 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter invites us into the fifth day of our journey through the scriptures, exploring Genesis 12–14 and Luke 5. As we travel with Abram through moments of faith and challenge, witness God's promises unfold, and encounter Jesus calling his disciples, healing the outcast, and challenging the religious status quo, we're reminded that these stories point us towards transformation in Christ's love. Hunter reflects on what it means to walk with the Bridegroom—to live joyfully in Jesus's presence, embracing an abundant, childlike faith even in times of hardship or grief. As always, the episode weaves in meaningful prayer and encouragement for your journey, offering hope, comfort, and a reminder that you are deeply loved. Settle in and let God's word nurture your heart today—let's continue this journey together! TODAY'S DEVOTION: Is the bridegroom with us or not? That's the question that comes to the surface as we listen to Jesus respond to the religious leaders in Luke 5. They were disturbed, unsettled by Jesus and his disciples, and how different they seemed from the expected religious norm. Why all the eating and drinking, the lightness and celebration? Shouldn't holy people look more somber, more weighed down by the gravity of spiritual things? But Jesus invites us into a startling possibility—when the bridegroom is with us, it's not a time for gloom. It's not the season for heavy restriction or ritual sadness. It's time to live, to eat and drink, to walk in the abundant life and the joyful celebration of his presence. There certainly is a time for mourning, for fasting, Jesus says. There are seasons of loss and waiting and longing. And yet, even then—for those who belong to Jesus—those seasons are now carried out in the presence and company of the One who is our comforter, our wisdom, our light. He walks with us even through the valley of the shadow of death. He prepares a table for us, a banquet of grace, even when we are surrounded by difficulty, sorrow, or even our enemies. This is the new wine that Jesus brings, the unexpected freedom and fullness of life that flows from walking with the bridegroom. It is a new thing—and sometimes, we may struggle to accept the joy, the lightness, the new way Jesus calls us into. The religious self in us may want to revert back to old patterns, the requisite religious gloom. But Jesus calls us forward, into a childlike, unselfconscious, abundant life, alive to his joyous presence. He's making all things new, and that includes you and me. The prayer of my own heart is that I will live today awake to the bridegroom's presence. That I might even surprise myself with the freedom, joy, and love that spring up when I remember who is with me—the bright and morning star, my joy, my life. In sorrow or in celebration, in fasting or in feasting, may I choose to live as a loved child of God who walks in the newness Christ has made. That's my prayer for my soul, for my family, and for you today. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
Our heroes convene to discuss the Sega Game Gear, the most satisfying punch in video games, and sports MMOs. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Half Price Books PlayStation 3 Sonic the Hedgehog series Resistance: Fall of Man Madden series LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game Criterion Closet Severin Films Joe Dante Pirhana (1978) Gremlins (1984) The Howling (1981) Small Soldiers (1998) Synapse Films Rent-A-Relic “Please forgive me for my sin of making illegal copies. Please forgive me for my sin of hypocrisy. Please forgive me for my sin of arrogance. Amen.” All Those Moments by Rutger Hauer Ralph Ellison Invisible Man The Invisible Man H. G. Welles 1: What kinds of video games do you think we'll never see again? (07:27) Metal Gear Solid Teleprinter Kinect Nex Playground Wii Light gun All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989) All Dogs Go to Heaven Don Bluth Dragons Lair series The Secret of NIMH (1982) Mina the Hollower Commodore 64 2: What's the most satisfying punch you can throw in a video game? (12:15) Shatterhand The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Final Fight Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Bayonetta Game Gear Krusty's Super Fun House Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995) Mortal Kombat series Darkstalkers series Toasty! God Hand Electronic Gaming Monthly 3: Which Game Gear games are most faithful to their source material? (17:07) Gunstar Heroes Dynamite Headdy Ecco the Dolphin Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble Shining Force series Battletoads Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Master System Aleste series Beep Games, Inc. OutRun Space Harrier Yuji Naka 4: The Adaptation Game - Betty Boop (21:50) Betty Boop Mr. Boop Cuphead Stray Rotoscoping Max Fleischer PaRappa the Rapper The Charleston 23 skidoo Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures 5: littleboat asks, what is the word of the year in videogames? (27:42) Friendslop “Slop” chosen as Merriam-Webster's 2025 word of the year Peak Big Walk Untitled Goose Game Titanfall 2 Titanic (1997) H Game 6: Are there sports MMOs where everybody is one player? (35:38) Second Life Madden series NBA 2K series Rocket League Rematch Sifu Hyper Gunsport 7: Has making a video game gotten harder or easier over time? (39:42) Unity Unreal Engine Ed Annunziata SGDK Intellivision Amico Blender LIGHTNING ROUND: GameFAQ&As - Baldur's Gate III (45:15) Recommendations and Outro (52:52): Frank: King Leo peppermint Brandon: Dickens Fair, Dark Angel (1990), Cat Eyed Boy Ash: Greyhound (2020), I, Claudius Jaffe: I, Podius (for Ash), Pluribus (for Brandon), Ragman (1991 series) (for Frank), leave us a review, watch a couple Insert Credit Show episodes in a row on YouTube, support us at patreon.com/insertcredit This week's Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by selib. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show! Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!
Our heroes convene to discuss the Sega Game Gear, the most satisfying punch in video games, and sports MMOs. Hosted by Alex Jaffe, with Frank Cifaldi, Ash Parrish, and Brandon Sheffield. Edited by Esper Quinn, original music by Kurt Feldman. Watch episodes with full video on YouTube Discuss this episode in the Insert Credit Forums SHOW NOTES: Half Price Books PlayStation 3 Sonic the Hedgehog series Resistance: Fall of Man Madden series LEGO Star Wars: The Video Game Criterion Closet Severin Films Joe Dante Pirhana (1978) Gremlins (1984) The Howling (1981) Small Soldiers (1998) Synapse Films Rent-A-Relic “Please forgive me for my sin of making illegal copies. Please forgive me for my sin of hypocrisy. Please forgive me for my sin of arrogance. Amen.” All Those Moments by Rutger Hauer Ralph Ellison Invisible Man The Invisible Man H. G. Welles 1: What kinds of video games do you think we'll never see again? (07:27) Metal Gear Solid Teleprinter Kinect Nex Playground Wii Light gun All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989) All Dogs Go to Heaven Don Bluth Dragons Lair series The Secret of NIMH (1982) Mina the Hollower Commodore 64 2: What's the most satisfying punch you can throw in a video game? (12:15) Shatterhand The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Final Fight Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Bayonetta Game Gear Krusty's Super Fun House Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995) Mortal Kombat series Darkstalkers series Toasty! God Hand Electronic Gaming Monthly 3: Which Game Gear games are most faithful to their source material? (17:07) Gunstar Heroes Dynamite Headdy Ecco the Dolphin Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble Shining Force series Battletoads Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Master System Aleste series Beep Games, Inc. OutRun Space Harrier Yuji Naka 4: The Adaptation Game - Betty Boop (21:50) Betty Boop Mr. Boop Cuphead Stray Rotoscoping Max Fleischer PaRappa the Rapper The Charleston 23 skidoo Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures 5: littleboat asks, what is the word of the year in videogames? (27:42) Friendslop “Slop” chosen as Merriam-Webster's 2025 word of the year Peak Big Walk Untitled Goose Game Titanfall 2 Titanic (1997) H Game 6: Are there sports MMOs where everybody is one player? (35:38) Second Life Madden series NBA 2K series Rocket League Rematch Sifu Hyper Gunsport 7: Has making a video game gotten harder or easier over time? (39:42) Unity Unreal Engine Ed Annunziata SGDK Intellivision Amico Blender LIGHTNING ROUND: GameFAQ&As - Baldur's Gate III (45:15) Recommendations and Outro (52:52): Frank: King Leo peppermint Brandon: Dickens Fair, Dark Angel (1990), Cat Eyed Boy Ash: Greyhound (2020), I, Claudius Jaffe: I, Podius (for Ash), Pluribus (for Brandon), Ragman (1991 series) (for Frank), leave us a review, watch a couple Insert Credit Show episodes in a row on YouTube, support us at patreon.com/insertcredit This week's Insert Credit Show is brought to you by patrons like you. Thank you. This week's horrible buzzer was sent in by selib. Thanks! To submit your own horrible buzzer, send an original recording no longer than two seconds in mp3 or wav format to show@insertcredit.com, and maybe we'll use it on the show! Subscribe: RSS, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more!
279. What if this ONE nutritional upgrade changes everything: An Interview with Sue Becker Proverbs 14:12 NIV "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." *Transcription Below* Sue Becker is a gifted speaker and teacher, with a passion to share principles of healthy living in an encouraging way. She is the co-owner of The Bread Beckers and founder of the ministry, Real Bread Outreach, all dedicated to promoting whole grain nutrition. Sue has a degree in Food Science from UGA and is the author of The Essential Home-Ground Flour Book. Sue is a veteran home-schooling mom with 9 children and 15 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild so far. She and her husband Brad, live in Canton, GA. Through her teaching, countless families have found improved health. Sue's Instagram: @suebreadbeckers Sue's Website Sue's Podcast Questions and Topics We Cover: Will you tell us about your professional background and share what led to a life-changing discovery? In addition to helping us feel better, how can this swap also affect our weight? We are told gluten is the enemy, but you teach how wheat can actually be the cure, not the cause. . . Will you elaborate why even people who are sensitive to gluten can still enjoy this bread and experience greater health benefits because of it? Related Episodes from The Savvy Sauce: 14 Simple Changes for Healthier Living with Leslie Sexton and Vasu Thorpe 26 Practical Tips to Eating Dinner Together as a Family with Blogger and Cookbook Co-Author, Rachel Tiemeyer 33 Pursuing Health with Functional Medicine Specialist, Dr. Jill Carnahan 129 Healthy Living with Dr. Tonya Khouri 205 Power of Movement with Alisa Keeton (Revelation Wellness) 212 School Series: Benefits of Homeschooling with Jodi Mockabee 256 Gut Health, Allergies, Inflammation and Proactive Solutions with Emily Macleod-Wolfe 261 Edible Theology with Kendall Vanderslice 270 Female Sex Hormones, Periods, and Perimenopause with Emily Macleod-Wolfe 275 Raising Healthy Kids: Free Tips with Emily Johnson Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.” Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“ Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“ Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” *Transcription* Music: (0:00 – 0:09) Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 1:29) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here. Have you heard about this one-of-a-kind experience, the Radiant Faith and Wellness event? It's going to take place January 30th and 31st at the Cannery in Eureka. I hope you learn more or purchase your tickets on this website or check them out on Instagram at @radiantwellnessevent and make sure you stay tuned to find out what the code is so that you can purchase your discounted tickets. Happy New Year everyone! I am so excited to get to kick off the year with one of the best episodes I can ever remember. You are in for a treat today with my guest Sue Becker. She is going to enlighten us to the one achievable, easy-to-implement nutritional change that could change everything. Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Sue. Sue Becker: (1:30 - 1:39) Thank you so much for having me. It is a real honor to be able to share my story, share my message with others that can listen and hear. Laura Dugger: (1:40 - 1:56) Well, it may be one of the times I've most anticipated this conversation, but I'd love to just start by going back. Will you tell us about your professional background and share what led to a life-changing discovery? Sue Becker: (1:56 - 14:21) Yes, yes. Well, it's a little bit of a long story, but I'll keep it as brief as possible. So, I always say, many years ago, headed off to the University of Georgia as a pre-med student because I loved studying everything about the human body and I wanted to help people and save the world, you know, all the grandiose ideas. But my big passion was physiology and biochemistry. I loved studying that. Got there and realized, you know, I don't really want to be in school that long and I don't want that type of career after I graduate. I knew my ultimate goal was to be a stay-at-home mom and I was like, okay, so why am I pursuing this? But I loved the field of study. And so changed my major, got accepted into pharmacy school, spent a quarter there and went, this isn't really what I want to do either. So then I was led by the Dean of Pharmacy School to the field of food science, which was an up-and-coming industry at the time. I focused my attention more on the microbiology aspect of it and after graduation, I worked for Kraft Foods for almost five years as a bacteriologist in the lab there. I met my husband at the University of Georgia, and we married, actually, our senior year. And so then, like I said, after I graduated, I started working for Kraft until I had my first child. I did become a mom, for sure. I have nine children, seven biological, two we adopted later in life, ranging in ages now from 45. My oldest daughter doesn't like me to tell that, but it's too bad. It's what it is. 45 to 29, I believe Olivia is. Yes, 29. And then I have 19 grandchildren and my very first great grandchild was born just a few weeks ago. So that's been a real blessing and a treat. But after graduation, because I loved studying, it's funny, I tell everybody I'm a much better student now than I ever was in college. It's funny how you love to study once you don't have to perform with tests and things. But I continued studying physiology, biochemistry, read the works of prominent biochemists of the day and kind of came at everything with believing that we're fearfully and wonderfully made. Our bodies know what they need and if they're not getting something they need, then chances are we're going to see sickness or lack of health. So, I kind of came at everything from that standpoint. It might be a little simplistic, but I think it's a great starting place. So, I focused on feeding my family healthy food, you know, supplementing when we needed to. I tell people I grew up Southern. I grew up in a family of cooks and not chefs, but we cooked. We ate real meat, real vegetables. My husband and I loved to garden. We grew our own corn and peas and beans and tomatoes and all the things. So, we were eating real food. But we weren't a sickly family for sure, not compared to what others were, but we still had our share, our fair share. And so, we clipped along like this and I, in 1991, because of my interest in physiology, biochemistry, I subscribed to a publication, a health journal. And the first publication that came into my home was entitled, "How to Greatly Reduce the Risk of Common Diseases." In this journal, the history of white flour was presented. Now, this was very eye-opening information. Maybe I need to back up a little bit. The food science is not a nutrition degree. It's not a home economic degree. It's the study of food processing. Everything that has to be done to keep that food safely on the shelf. Something's great. Something's not so great. So, when I read this information, I was like, how did I miss what's done to our bread? Through my studies, I had always read that whole wheat flour was better, but I didn't understand why. So, in this journal, the history of white flour was presented. All the processing that is done to make that flour sit on the shelf forever, never really. And this is, like I said, what opened my eyes. I learned that whole grains, real whole grains are the most nutrient-dense food God has given us. But in that journal, I learned that only when they're freshly milled, do they retain all their vital nutrients. You know, like I said, I had read that whole wheat flour was better. I was trying to buy the stuff in the store, but it was kind of gross, nasty, I say. Didn't make nice bread, certainly not fluffy muffins. So, kind of gave up on that, trying to make bread with the store-bought whole grain flour. And so, we were just buying whole wheat flour from the store. But I learned in that journal, it's not really what you think it is. And I, so like I said, I also, as a food scientist, what was so enlightening to me, when I read that word enrichment on the bags of flour or the bread products in the store, I thought, wow, we're making this better than it would have been, had we not done this favor. I soon learned in this journal that that was not a favor that food companies are doing for us. They replace in their enrichment, a mere fraction of the nutrients that are there. And of course, I learned that once the flour is milled, I learned, well, let me, grains are storable, left whole and intact. They store fairly indefinitely. But once that flour is, once that grain is milled into flour, it begins to spoil. The nutrients begin to oxidize. So this led to the invention of these huge steel rolling mills that would take out the very nutrient rich bran, the oil laden germ that was causing the spoilage of the flour and leaving only the endosperm part, which is the white flour, protein and starch. Wonderful discovery. This flour won't spoil. It'll sit on the shelf forever. And like I said, it looked like a wonderful discovery. And this all happened in the late 1800s, early 1900s. By about 1910, the steel rolling mills had completely replaced the local millers because prior to the 1900s, most of the bread consumed in this country was either milled at home or the flour was purchased from a local miller. The bread was made at home and it was consumed at home. But with this invention, steel rolling, the steel rolling mills displaced the local millers, white flour, white bread became food now for everyone, rich and poor alike. And can you imagine every housewife going, yay, I don't have to mill my flour anymore. I'll never forget years ago, Brad's 93-year-old grandfather lived with us for a little while. And I was in the kitchen milling some corn for cornbread. And he went like this from his chair. He went, "I milled a lot of corn in my day." So, you can imagine people were like, hallelujah, we don't have to mill our flour. But what seemed like an amazing, convenient, life-saving discovery actually turned out to not be so great. Shortly thereafter, the steel rolling mills and white flour became food for everybody. Three diseases became epidemic. Beriberi, which is a vitamin B1 deficiency, it results in nervous disorders. Pellagra is a vitamin B3 or niacin deficiency, results in GI issues, skin issues, dementia, mental insanity. And that one really interested me because I did some more research on that and actually found out that the first case of pellagra was diagnosed right here in Atlanta, Georgia, which I'm from that area, you know, this area where our store in Woodstock is 35 miles north. That first year 30,000 cases were diagnosed. Then anemia was the third disease. This puzzled health officials all over the country. They're like, what in the world is going on? Why are we seeing this outbreak of diseases? And at first they thought beriberi and pellagra were maybe some type of infectious disease. But eventually they traced it to the new white flour that was on the market and the missing B vitamins and iron minerals that were provided by the bran and the germ. Because for all practical purposes, that's where your nutrients are. The endosperm, white flours, protein and starch, protein and starches that we need, but not without the fiber, the B vitamins, the vitamin E, the inositol, choline, the iron, the calcium, all those nutrients. And so, things kind of clipped along. They went to the millers and said, you got to put the bran and germ back in because of all the sickness. But the millers were like yeah, no, that's not going to happen because they had found a very lucrative market for the byproducts, which is so often done now in the food industry. Byproducts of the milling process, the bran and germ were sold to the cattle feed industry, white flour to the people. So they're like, yeah, we're not giving up that money-making market. So things progressed until 1948. And finally, health officials stepped in, the government stepped in and mandated, you've got to fix the flour, you've got to enrich it. And that's where I discovered what a deceptive term that is for the 35 to 40, who knows really how many nutrients are lost when they take the bran and germ away. They only replaced it with four, three B vitamins and iron. And of course, B1, B2, B3 and iron. Supposedly, this took care of the beriberi and pellagra. But I always have to stop here and say, how many nervous disorders do we have in our country today? How many, how much GI disturbances and bowel issues, digestive issues? How about dementia, mental insanity? What about skin eruptions? I don't think it took care of it. But anyway, they think it did. And then it would take 50 years, 1998, after watching the rising incidence of birth defects and understanding that it was the missing folate that is no longer in the flour, richest food source, or most common, most readily eaten food source of folate, bread. Who knew? So, they mandated then that a fifth nutrient be added. And that was folic acid, which, let me stop there and say this, these are synthetically produced supplements, vitamins that are being added to your flour. And particularly the B vitamins, this can be very troublesome, because the B vitamins come as a family, they come as a group, they work together synergistically. When you take one out of context from the other out of balance, it actually depletes you and causes you to have a greater need. We're seeing that now with folic acid and the development of MTHFR, the folate, you know, reductase gene mutation. So anyway, it's caused more problems than it's worth. And I've always thought about the scripture Proverbs 14:12, I believe it says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end thereof is death." And we can certainly see that. You know, and if that were not enough, now, we've, we've taken all this away, we produce this beautiful white flour, but the residual oils cause it some yellowing. So can't have yellowing of that flour. So, they began to choose to bleach the flour and a product called nitrogen trichloride was used for more than 25 years to bleach the flour. It was finally taken off the market because they discovered that this nitrogen trichloride caused seizures in dogs. Are you ready for this? Hyperactivity. Laura Dugger: (14:22 - 14:22) Hmm. Sue Becker: (14:22 - 29:18) When I read that information, it was in 1991. That was the beginning of the scourge of ADD and hyperactivity we're now seeing in our children today. And I couldn't help but wonder, you know, when I read that information, there was one little boy in my son's music class, you know, and, but now, wow, it's pretty prevalent. So then another bleaching agent is benzoyl peroxide. It's known to destroy B vitamins and vitamin E. And let me just tell you this, grains are one of the, especially wheat is one of the most nutrient dense food groups. Like I said, but it's the, one of the richest food sources of vitamin E and no amount of vitamin E has ever been put back in our enriched right white flour. So, we lost that source, but now we're using a bleaching agent that's going to destroy it and B vitamins. And then potassium bromate is often used as a dough conditioner. It helps strengthen that gluten structure to help get a better rise in the bread. It's known to cause liver issues and thyroid issues. And this is what we were consuming. So, wow. Yeah. Talk about my mind being blown, my eyes being open. And then the rest of the journal was a brief discussion of the common diseases that plague Americans and showed why it was directly related, how it was directly related to our consumption of the processed white flour, lacking the nutrients and the fiber diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, diverticulitis, even varicose veins, skin issues, low energy. I mean, it just went on and on. And from my, with my background, this made absolute sense. I knew it was scientifically sound, but it was also, it was a Christian publication. It was biblically sound. And what changed my life here was like I said, always read whole wheat flour, better whole wheat flour, better, but I was buying the stuff in the store and even whole wheat bread in the store. Didn't really see a lot of difference in it. But this introduced me to the idea of an in-home grain mill, buying grain and milling my own flour. That was life changing. I was like, this is amazing. I can do this. Wanted a mill. My husband actually bought me a mill for my birthday in 1991. The mill came into our home. I milled flour. I made bread. I ate bread. It was delicious. It wasn't gritty. It wasn't heavy. It wasn't dense. And I tell everyone I pooped the next morning and it was like, what just happened to me? So that was my life-changing experience. First, first day, you know, my bowel issues were corrected. I had lifelong issues with constipation, struggled with it. Knew I didn't want to take chemical accidents. So tried to do more alternative solutions, find those and they worked if I did them, but they were, I tell people they were outside of my, your realm of daily eating. You had to do something special. And honestly, sometimes I think we look at alternative methods, you know, supplementation or treatment for ailments that are afflicting us. And we're not getting, still not getting to the root of the problem. My problem was I was not eating enough fiber. The white bread, the white flour was constipating me. So this was the only change I made. I tell everyone I've not been constipated since 1991. I know you wanted to hear that, but, but then I had five young children by this time and I, I homeschool my children. We were active in church and baseball and music lessons and all the things, you know, we were busy. I had nursing baby and, and I, but I'm telling you, when I started just adding this bread to our already real food, we were eating. I noticed significant energy. Like I said, constipation gone right away. Then I begin to notice first week. It didn't take months. I was like, wow, I have more energy. My frequent headaches went away. Also with my bowels moving, my chronic constipation went away. I lived on antihistamines before bread since bread. That's another thing I can stand here and tell you. I've not had an antihistamine or a decongestant of any kind since 1991. That's pretty amazing. I had frequent migraines, not had one since we started the bread. So those were, I've noticed my sugar cravings went away because now I was getting the real carbohydrates that my body needed and it's sustaining energy. And then my children, I just noticed they were they were, they would eat and they were satisfied. They love the bread. They love the muffins. They love the pancakes. It was healthy food. I didn't have to coerce them to eat. No more snotty noses, no more ear infections for them. And that we just became a much healthier family. And they, my kids didn't necessarily catch every bug that came around. And if one of them did get sick, didn't necessarily mean that all of us got sick, which a big family, that's, that's pretty significant, you know? And so it was just, and the bread was delicious. When I read that information about whole grains and, and, you know, how bad white flour was, I was, I was thinking that this freshly milled flour was going to be just like the store-bought whole wheat flour I was buying in the store. And you can probably already tell I'm a very passionate person. So, I read this information. I'm like, we're never eating white bread again. We're never, white flour's never coming into our house again. And if we have to choke this bread down, we're doing this, you know? Well, we did not have to choke it down at all. The muffins, the bread, the pancakes, the brownies, cookies, everything I made was absolutely delicious. It was filling and it was satisfying. A lot of people would say, you must spend all your time in the kitchen when all my kids were home. I'm going, actually, no, we eat breakfast and everybody's satisfied. Nobody snacks. And even my kids begin to notice how other kids snack all the time. Not my kids, they would eat and they wouldn't eat till the next meal. And so, it was just very, very satisfying. So, I began to share my bread with everybody, bake bread for other people, take it here, take it there. The next thing I know, so be warned, if you ever start milling and you make bread for somebody, they're going to ask you to make bread for them. So, I did start making bread for other people. And the next thing I know, they're coming to me and saying, my cholesterol dropped 85 points and all I changed was this bread. You know, I feel better. I have more energy. And the lady with the cholesterol, she, I continued to make bread for her for a while. And I always laugh. One of the favorite things she liked that I made for her was cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing. And she said, I ate one after every meal and my cholesterol dropped 85 points in just one month. And I always laugh. I'm like a statin drug with all kinds of side effects, cinnamon roll with cream cheese icing, you know, and she said, it was her testimony. She goes, "I knew it was the bread. I know it is the bread because three doctors, three different medications, three years, nothing has changed. And this is the only change I made." So, I started hearing this. And of course, she told all her friends, the next thing you know, everybody's wanting me to make this cholesterol lowering bread for them, you know, and I'll never forget. By this point, I had had my sixth child, still homeschooling, still doing laundry, still baseball, church, all the things. And here I was making bread for my family and then making bread for all these people coming to my door. And I was spending all day every day making bread and for others and myself. And I just got really tired, to be honest with you. And I was making this bread and a thought came to my mind. And I just looking back now, I know God put those words in my heart and in my mind. That day, I had also had a few people ask me, would I teach them how to make bread? And where could they get a grain mill? So the idea came to me, met my husband in the driveway. And I said, when he came home from work, and I said, you know what, I don't think I'm supposed to make bread for the world. I think I'm supposed to teach the world to make bread for themselves. And that was the beginning right there. We sat down on the porch swing and talked about what we would call it. And I said, I want to call it Bread Beckers. That's, you know, our, it's funny, we didn't know that at the time. But Becker is a German name that means the baker. So, it is bread bakers. And anyway, so and, and it's funny, because at that point in 1992, my world was four people, four people had asked me about where they could get a grain mill, and what I teach them to make bread. And today, we, well, we, started our business right then in our home, took a little while to, you know, get everything. And we outgrew our home by 1998, what my husband and I and my children could do. I mean, it just grew from the testimonies of other people. I mean, just like that lady when and then you get hundreds of people sharing different stories and passing it on, people, people start noticing. So we incorporated with a longtime friend and partner in 1998, moved the business out of our home, we're currently in this lovely 10,000 square foot warehouse, we moved here in 1999. We have a nice studio kitchen, this is where all my cooking classes take place that we can seat 100 people and regularly we fill up classes like that. We have a lot of online classes already for people to view on our YouTube channel. But and then a few years ago, it's back in 2009, we acquired another warehouse because we are passionate about providing God's people with grain. That first week here, like I said, customer base of four. A week after starting our business, getting all the license and all that really hadn't started getting anything, God woke me up and said that he was raising up Bread Beckers to be like Joseph to supply his people with grain. And I wrote in my journal that morning that it would be a tremendous thing. And it would take a few months, we invested in a lot of wheat, we took all of our savings, this was before we incorporated, it was just my husband and I and our family and bought some wheat, you know, and had spent all of our savings. Well, I got a little nervous. And I woke up that morning after unloading all this wheat and writing the checks and seeing the money go out of the savings account. And I'm like, I don't think the electric company is going to take a bucket of wheat, you know, for payment. So this was my fear. And I felt like, you know, maybe I was being deceived, maybe we were being misled. And I just cried out to the Lord that he would speak to me and confirm to me that this was what we were supposed to do. And this is how I do it. I just cry out to the Lord. And then I just go on with my regular Bible reading, not looking for something I could have gone to the story of Joseph because he had already spoken that to me. But my verse for the day in one of my devotionals was Proverbs 11:26. And it says "Cursed is the man who holds back grain when the public needs it. But a blessing from God and man is upon the head of him who sells it." My husband took that vision. I know you talk about, I was like, what? I could hardly wait for Brad to get up. My husband, Brad, you know, I had awakened early because I was stirring and all just anxious and fearful. And the enemy was just coming at me. And when I shared that all with Brad that he was sleeping next to me, not knowing that I was in all this turmoil. And he just looked at me and he goes, "Sue, I can think of no other verse that God could have given you to answer and your question and to calm your fears." And so he took it to heart. So, we now have a second warehouse. It's 13,000 square feet. We are probably one of the largest grain packaging facilities in the southeastern United States. We have hundreds. I don't know how many we're growing everyday co-ops all over the United States. And we bring in two semi truckloads a week. I mean, I'm sorry, a month, which is actually a little bit more than that. It's about 190,000 pounds of wheat. That's just wheat. Package it down into these great food grade buckets, plastic buckets. And we package it with carbon dioxide gas. So it's perfectly storable. We can guarantee that it's bug free. You know, the enemies of grain are moisture bugs and rodents. So that's why we really firmly believe in packaging it all in buckets. And like I said, we have probably 180 co-ops now. I don't know. It's growing every day. We ship wheat all over the country, grain and everything we sell. So it's been a real journey and just a real blessing. And then I started a ministry called Real Bread Outreach. We clipped along locally, kind of providing grain and grain mills for those who truly can't afford it. But then in 2016, God called me to Haiti. I made 15 trips to Haiti. We built a bakery there. We trained up another team at an orphanage and they were making bread every day. So right now, in Haiti, it's an intense situation, but the bakery is thriving, feeding about 1,200 school children a day. And then the other, it's about 150 orphans. Then we went to Tanzania in 2021. We built a bakery there, started a feeding program. We've helped start a bakery in Israel that is ministering to the Jewish people. We helped train a bakery in Uganda and we've sent mills to missionaries in Japan and the Philippines and Nigeria and Kenya, just all over. And I'll close this part with this. A few years ago, a friend of mine just, she did, she remembered, she said, "Sue, do you remember when you said to Brad, I don't think I'm supposed to make bread for the world, but teach the world to make bread for themselves." And I'm going to tear up a little bit looking back now, like I said, four people, that was my world. Today, it truly is the world. And not just because of the internet, but because of where God has called us through our ministry. And it's a real blessing. So, my encouragement to everyone is do the small thing. You never know where God's going to take you in years to come and how it's going to bless the world. Laura Dugger: (29:19 - 29:21) So I think that was a lot. Sue Becker: (29:21 - 29:22) I know. Laura Dugger: (29:23 - 32:39) It was beautiful. And it makes me think of the verse, do not despise small beginnings for the Lord delights to see the work begin. I'm paraphrasing, but I love how much it has blessed the world. And I remember the first time I heard you, I was trying to just picture what is a mill, but you literally just turn it on and you pour the grain in and it comes out as flour. It's so easy. And so we purchased our own. After our conversation, I get to stick in our loaves in the oven. They're still rising right now. And now a brief message from our sponsor. Radiant Faith and Wellness Event is a unique event designed to bridge the aspects of faith and wellness and to live as our bodies, minds and souls were intended and created. So come together with other like-minded women to receive Christ centered teaching on health and wellness, to nourish your body with good food and to renew your mind and help you shine radiantly. At Radiant, wellness goes beyond worldly standards of wellness and self-help. So, from worship and inspiring speakers to guided movement, meaningful conversation, biblical teaching, every part of this event is crafted to help you reconnect and step forward renewed. It's the perfect time of year to experience something like this. Radiant is more than just an event. It's actually a transformational experience and supportive community dedicated to helping women grow spiritually and physically. Their speakers bring this perfect balance of encouragement and deep wisdom, each within their own area of expertise and passion. They do a remarkable job of creating a safe and joyful space where every woman feels seen, supported and empowered to grow. So, join the Radiant Faith and Wellness family today and experience what it means to live rooted, restored and radiant from the inside out. Visit https://www.google.com/search?q=mygracioushealing.com/radiant-event or you can check out their Instagram page at @radiantwellnessevent. Tickets are limited, so make sure you book today and enter the code SAVVY when registering for a special discount. Thanks for your sponsorship. So going back to these ailments, I'm going to reference two other things that you said. First, this may be a little unrelated, but even thinking of feeding people around the world or feeding our children, you mentioned, you know, a lot of times if your kids were picky eaters, you'd say, okay, ditch the bread and just eat the meat. But because it's so nourishing and nutritious and that Jesus has given us this as a grace gift, this bread, you can ditch the meat and eat just the bread and get so much nutritional value. Sue Becker: (32:40 - 37:32) Yes, that and that's funny that you bring that up because, you know, one of the things over the years of studying is of the 44 to 46 absolutely essential nutrients needed by your body for health and to promote life. There's only four slightly deficient or missing in wheat, vitamin A, vitamin C. So, God gave us another kind of food. Remember in Genesis chapter 1:29, he says, “I've given you plants that bear fruit with the seed in them.” So that's our fruits and vegetables. That's where we get our vitamin A, vitamin C. Then we get our vitamin D from the sunshine if we get out there and get some. And then B12, of course, is low or is not found in any plant product. That's I mean, plant food. So, you have to get that from your meat, your red meats and things like that. But that's and so learning that you're absolutely right. When my kids were growing up and the bread was my little toddler, how she'd tell me she was hungry, she would say, “I want a roll with honey.” That was what she wanted to eat. And I would take the meat off the sandwich. And before bread, it was eat the meat. After bread, it was just eat the bread, you know, because I knew just from that. And I started thinking about when Jesus said, “Man does not live by bread alone.” He was quoting the Old Testament, but by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God, he was reiterating that you think you're living because you have bread and all the biblical, you know, so many of the biblical feasts, Passover and First Fruits, Pentecost, they're around the barley harvest and the wheat harvest. Grain was a big part of their life and of their sacrifices and all that. And he was saying, you think you're living just because you have bread. But I'm telling you, there's a spiritual life that you have to feed as well. So, yeah, that was a fun time seeing the change of my perspective of just eat the bread. And, you know, some days, you know, breakfast was typically a pretty big meal for us. Sometimes it would just be pancakes, but a lot of times it would be eggs and freshly ground grits and bread of some sort, muffins. And then lunch might be muffins and a smoothie because we really weren't that hungry from the bread at breakfast and then dinner. We eat normal. People think we're weird eaters. But, you know, like I said, I grew up Southern. So, we do country fried steak. We do pot roast. We do chicken. We do brown rice, mashed potatoes, green beans. You know, we do it all. And you mentioned something that was funny. When I first started, when I would take bread places, people go, “Oh, my gosh, this coffee cake is so delicious or this bread is so delicious. Can I get your recipe?” And I'd go, “Well, yeah, you can have my recipe. But you've got to understand, I mill my own flour.” Two things they would always respond with. And the first one they would go, “You do what?” And I would go, “I mill my own flour.” The second one absolutely intrigued me for years and years until I did a study on what grain mills, the local millers mills, you know, waterwheels and gristmills and ox treading out the grain. But they would always say to me, “Where do you live?” And I think they thought I must have had a barn and an ox or I lived by a river to have the gristmill to power my mill. Now, you can see my little mill behind me. It just sits on my counter. And you're right. Turn it on, pour it in, comes out flour in a matter of seconds. And I tell people, it's really not any slower or more tedious than taking your flour canister out of your cabinet. And I realize we've deviated in this day and time from even using flour and baking things ourselves when we can go to the store and buy it already baked. But it'll change your life. I have never seen one dietary change bring so many significant across the board, broad spectrum health benefits to myself, my family, and so many people now that share their testimonies with me. It's just been amazing, just absolutely amazing. And, you know, I always, my husband always likes for me to say, you know, in the 25 years of raising my children on this bread, we only had to take them to the doctor twice for an illness. Twice. And twice on antibiotics. They needed it. There's a time and place. Twice to the doctor for an illness. In 25 years, there are people and families that go to the doctor more than that in a week. So, when people say I can't afford it or I don't have time, I'm like, wow, I can just tell you the life-saving and money-saving advantages are, it's hard to describe. So yeah. Laura Dugger: (37:33 - 38:05) Yeah. And like you said, it's an enjoyable process. It is. But also, okay, referencing one other thing, just thinking about these ailments. You had quoted, I believe a doctor just saying about constipation that is, and I don't want to botch it, so I'd love to know if you remember this, that most Americans is that three out of five suffer from constipation or even chronic constipation. And that, was it the number one cause of breast cancer and prostate cancer? Sue Becker: (38:05 - 39:29) Oh, wow. Yes. I'd almost forgotten that. Yes. I was listening to a CD that someone shared with me, and it was by an oncologist. And I still remember, I would listen to things as we began to travel and share and teach, and I would listen to teaching. And so, I had this cassette, if you can remember those or even know what those are. And I remember where I was, I was on I-10 headed to Jacksonville to a homeschool show. And this oncologist at the very end of her message, she said, “Toxins are stored in your, let's see, let me see. So, she said toxins are stored in your fatty tissue. In a woman, it's your breast. It's, and in a man, it's his prostate.” And she said, “When toxins are not carried out of their, your body daily through bowel elimination, then these toxins get absorbed into the body and stored in your fat tissue.” And she said, “So a direct correlation between cancer and constipation is there.” And, and I was just like, what did she just say? And that blew me away. I mean, that was not me saying it, this was an oncologist. And she's saying one of the leading issues is constipation. Wow. Yeah, I'd almost forgotten about that. Laura Dugger: (39:30 - 39:44) Well, and such a simple swap and getting to still enjoy these foods. But in addition to being healthier and the health benefits and making us feel better, how does this also potentially affect our weight? Sue Becker: (39:45 - 42:33) Well, that's a good question, because we're all told that bread is bad, that bread will make you fat. And I totally agree. The bread that's in the store is devoid of nutrients. It's devoid of fiber that fills you up. It's devoid of nutrients that satisfy fiber that fills you up. And it's heavily sweetened, sugared, you know, most of the breads we're eating are not just flour, water, yeast, salt. They're usually loaded with other things. So, they're not satisfying. The fiber in real bread fills you up. So, like I said, you're not going to overeat, you're going to eat and you're going to be satisfied. You know, I always tell the story when, when we were eating just bread from the store, I had five children, I would make sandwiches, they would, you know, cut them in half, I would make five sandwiches, they would, or I'd make the whole loaf, actually, they would fight over the last one. After bread, real bread that fills you up, I would make five sandwiches, cut them in half, and sometimes they would eat them all. And sometimes they wouldn't. It was because it was filling, and it was satisfying. And that's something people need to understand. Also, the nutritional deficiency in the foods that we're eating in the store, especially our bread, they're leaving us malnourished, really. Dr. Denmark, one of the oldest, well, the oldest practicing pediatrician in the country, she lived right here in Georgia. And she said, “We're the most undernourished, overfed people in the world.” We eat a lot because we're never satisfied, because the foods we're eating does not supply our body with the nutrients that we need. And so, we're constantly craving. I don't think a lot of people don't understand what cravings are. You're craving food because you're needing a nutrient, you know. And so, we find that we can eat and eat and eat, and, or not we, but Americans can overeat, and they do overeat because they're never satisfied. And so, real bread fills you up, real bread satisfies, it takes those sugar cravings away, which, you know, a lot of high calorie foods, they're loaded with sugars, and that's what we're craving a lot of times. I read something, women tend to crave sweets and chocolate, and men tend to crave salty. And, but both, if we're craving, you know, processed foods, you know, you can sit down and eat the whole bag of cookies, where you make cookies from freshly milled flour, one, maybe two, if you go three, you kind of go, I really didn't need that one, you know. So, it's just filling, it's satisfying. We have so many people, testimonies of people saying they've lost, one lady said she lost over a hundred pounds, that was over the course of a while, you know, of a year or so, but she did it right. She just started eating real food that nourishes and satisfies. Laura Dugger: (42:34 - 44:21) I want to make sure that you're up to date with our latest news. We have a new website. You can visit thesavvysauce.com and see all of the latest updates. You may remember Francie Heinrichson from episode 132, where we talked about pursuing our God-given dreams. She is the amazing businesswoman who has carefully designed a brand-new website for Savvy Sauce Charities, and we are thrilled with the final product, so I hope you check it out. There you're going to find all of our podcasts, now with show notes and transcriptions listed, a scrapbook of various previous guests, and an easy place to join our email list to receive monthly encouragement and questions to ask your loved ones, so that you can have your own practical chats for intentional living. You will also be able to access our donation button or our mailing address for sending checks that are tax deductible, so that you can support the work of Savvy Sauce Charities and help us continue to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ. So, make sure you visit thesavvysauce.com. And throughout the years, you've seen these different trends from Atkins to Paleo, and now a lot of times we're told gluten is the enemy, but I love how you say that wheat can actually be the cure, not the cause. So, can you elaborate on that, and even why some people with gluten sensitivities may still be able to consume bread that was made with freshly milled grain? Sue Becker: (44:21 - 1:01:23) Right, so, yeah, I think what people need to understand is what gluten actually is. And gluten's not really even in grains, it's just an easy way to verbalize it, I guess. So, gluten is the stretchy substance that forms from two proteins that are found uniquely in the wheat family of grains. So, when you mill wheat into flour, and you hydrate it, wet it, mix it, you know, make a dough out of it, those two proteins, gliadin and glutamine, they form this stretchy substance called gluten. Well, it's very important in bread making that you have these two proteins, because when you make a yeast leavened bread, whether it's sourdough or commercial yeast today, those organisms feed on the carbohydrates both in the wheat and in your dough, and they produce carbon dioxide gas. So, that gluten, those stretchy strands of protein, those two proteins, they trap that carbon dioxide gas, and that's what enables the bread to rise. So, it's unique to the wheat family of grain. It has always been there. It's why wheat is the king of bread making and always has been. Who put those two proteins in the wheat family of grains? God did. And just so you know, wheat is not genetically modified, and it has not been altered to produce wheat that has a higher gluten content. What determines the protein content of grain more than anything, which, what did I say gluten is? It's formed from two proteins. What determines the protein content in grain more than anything is rainfall during the growing season. So, that's why here in the southeastern United States, we can't make yeast bread making wheat. We can't grow it because we have too much rainfall and it's too warm. So, we grow what's called soft wheat or pastry flour. That's why southerners eat biscuits, because that's the kind of bread that we can make with the wheat grown here. The colder, drier climates in the breadbasket states of the country, they grow the hard bread making wheat. Now herein lies the problem. When those steel rolling mills came on the scene and began to take the bran and germ out, what did they leave us with? Protein and starch. Those gluten forming proteins and starch are in that endosperm. God never intended us to eat that white flour, those protein and starches without the vitamins, the minerals, the enzymes, the vitamin E that the bran and germ provide. So, therein lies a lot of the problem and that's what causes so many digestive issues is that we aren't getting the nutrients and the fiber that will keep our bowels clean and our digestive system moving the way it is supposed to. Now herein lies a bigger problem is that in the food industry and the American people's craving for fluffier bread. In the food industry, they thought, okay, we can give you fluffier bread. If we take the wheat and we wash it until only all that is left is those two proteins, those gluten forming proteins. They get this stretchy substance and then they dry it and powder it and they add even more pure gluten forming proteins to that white bread. So, now we have an even bigger problem and then and even in that whole grain bread, people want fluffy bread. They don't want, you know, coarser whole grain bread. So, check your ingredients. That 100% whole grain bread that you might be already buying, third or fourth ingredient gonna be vital wheat gluten or gluten flour, whatever they call it and that is greatly upsetting the fiber to flour ratio and causing digestive issues. And then, you know, just the heavily consumption of that bread and you know, the commercially processed bread is a real problem. So, now what we have is people, you know, Americans consuming this bread. Now, they have every symptom of something called celiac disease. Celiac disease is real. It is genetic. I am learning. I used to say it's not reversible, but I am learning something that you might have the genes for celiac disease, but they can be turned on or turned off. So, perhaps what is happening is you might have the gene, but now it's being turned on by eating and consuming this high gluten, if you will, bread out of context, not the way God made it. But then also what is also happening is so now we have people that have all the symptoms. Well, let me back up and just explain what celiac disease, celiac disease, true genetic celiac disease. You are born with these genes, the inability to break down that and metabolize gliadin. That's one of those gluten forming proteins, which the whole wheat family has that. So, if you can't break it down, it's going to cause digestive issues, abdominal cramping. It's going to eventually as those that protein gets dumped into your large intestine, your bowel, it's going to lay down the villi. You're going to have leaky gut. You're going to have all these issues. That is true genetic celiac disease, but it affects less than 1% of Americans have those genes and have it turned on for true genetic celiac disease. So, what is being diagnosed today? Well, everybody eating the commercially processed high gluten packed or you know bread, they're developing the same symptoms, digestive issues, abdominal cramping, laying down the villi. So, they're being diagnosed with celiac disease when it a lot of times is not true genetic celiac disease and I'm not professing to be a medical professional. I'm not giving anybody medical advice, but here's the good news that I do want to say to you. Non-genetic celiac disease is totally reversible. And the good news is people are finding some that have been diagnosed with celiac going gluten-free been gluten-free for 20 years. They're finding they can eat the freshly milled flour because it has the right ratio and the good fiber and the good nutrients to heal their gut, cleanse their gut, and get their bowels moving, cleans out. So, bring that villi back to life and they're thriving. They're not just tolerating the bread. They're thriving and finding reversal of many, many, many health issues. And another big issue too is people don't understand that for the most part digestion begins in your mouth, carbohydrate digestion. You chew your food, your saliva mixes with your food and there's an enzyme carbohydrate digesting enzyme called amylase. Once you swallow that down in your stomach, your stomach is where protein digestion takes place. It must have an acid environment for those protein digestive enzymes to work. God knew that we're fearfully and wonderfully made. He created cells in our stomach to produce acid brings the pH. If y'all know what pH is down to one very, very acidic could eat a hole in your stomach. But he also created these cells that produce mucus that lines our stomach and protects it from that high acid. So, that's where protein digestion needs to take place. Here's the problem. What is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in America? Prilosec, Nexium. These are antacids. They're prescribing it for something called acid reflux, which is only compounding the problem. So, these antacids are doing exactly what the name of them describes. They're alkalizing your stomach acid. So, what's that going to do to protein digestion? It's going to compromise it. Huh? So, yeah, and the real cause of acid reflux is not too much stomach acid. It is actually too low stomach acid. Our body's not getting the nutrients that needs to produce that stomach acid. Now, it's acid enough that when it comes back up in our esophagus it burns, but there's a little flap that God created right there at our stomach and our esophagus called the epiglottis. Do you know what's and it's supposed to close so that when that stomachs churning and doing its digestion, it doesn't back that acid doesn't back up into your esophagus, but it closes. It's stimulated to close by the high acid in your stomach. Do you see what's happening here? So, we're being prescribed an antacid which now we don't necessarily get the burn, but there's all kinds of side effects. We've compromised protein digestion, which what did we say gluten is protein. Also, do you know the technical term for an allergy a food allergy not a sensitivity or an intolerance the technical term for a food allergy is an adverse reaction to a protein component of your food. I have never seen so many food allergies as we see today. It's very interesting. Some people are diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity. Well, of course, I think everybody is sensitive to the bread and the store. Some people can tolerate a little bit better than others, but I know when I occasionally, you know, we go out to a party or an event and we usually avoid bread, but sometimes it's on everything. You know, I know I wake up the next morning and I'm like, I don't feel good. I have a stomachache. So, I think everybody is sensitive to the bread in the store, but we have now hundreds of testimonies of people who thought they had to be gluten-free or say I have, you know, I haven't eaten bread in 20 years because made me sick. It did this it did that and they are finding they can eat the freshly milled flour because even wheat because it's the right proportions all the nutrients, you know, one of the amino acids that's found abundantly and wheat is glutamine Google it and you'll see a lot of health professionals will actually give you glutamine supplements to heal your gut and it's and it's in the bread. So, then part of the other problem that I see then when people think they're gluten-sensitive or have to be gluten-free now mind you if you truly are genetic celiac, you probably will not be able to eat wheat and I'm saying probably now because I'm learning some things that we can turn those genes off. I don't know but if you truly are genetic celiac, but that is going to be a diagnosis that probably came when you were young you were going to always have had symptoms of these if you are now 20 or 30 and all of a sudden having these issues and you've been eating wheat all your life chances are you're not true genetic celiac. So, that's something you need to look at but people are finding they can eat the flour. They can eat the wheat and part of a real concern of mine is when you go gluten-free if you don't really need to I've been doing some studying as a food microbiologist gut microbiome has been a big topic. I've shared I've taught way before it was trendy on, you know probiotics and all of that and fermented foods. I've been teaching it since 1992 but what happens that they're finding on these gluten-free diets. It's actually diminishing your good gut microbiome and encouraging the growth of more pathogenic making you more susceptible to C. diff, E. coli and other sickness causing organisms. Then you're going to have those organisms are critical for breaking down food that gets dumped into the large intestine and encouraging digestion and enzymes that they create and all kinds of B vitamins and I could go on and on so that is being compromised the next thing, you know, you have allergies to eggs allergies to milk these very restrictive diets change that gut microbiome and they are causing a lot of gut health issues and allergy issues. I've talked to two people in the last few months one lady told to go gluten-free been gluten-free for years. She with tears in her eyes couple of weeks ago came down from Ohio hugged me in was came to our store just wanted to come to our store. I happen to be here that day. She hugged me tears in her eyes and said I was down to eight foods that I could eat another lady in one of my classes came up and said I was down to seven foods that I could eat, you know, so It puts you on a treadmill that I don't think you want to be on when you start very restrictive diets. It's and not just gluten-free, but even you know, the carnivore and the keto and the paleo the heavy meat diets you need whole grains to break the fats down and cholesterol that those foods are providing and I'm a meat eater. I mean, that's fine, but to exclude the most nutrient-dense food group God has given us in my mind is very dangerous. Let's see if we can get healing and reverse that I have a podcast and I do it's the bread stories now and I one of my favorites and I recommend it more often than any other is episode 66 sit with Sarah Valentine if anybody that I hear of that say they have to be gluten-free or their celiac, I would say she fit the bill for what surely seemed like a true genetic celiac. She was diagnosed in I think she was around 15 or I don't remember her age. She was in high school. I think but she had always had trouble even as a little one and she was diagnosed with celiac and she said at the end of the podcast, she goes either God supernatural healed me or it was a misdiagnosis, but she had been gluten-free for 15 years. I believe it was and she told me she said and I she had a dairy allergy. She couldn't eat dairy and she said, you know dairy I cheated on a little bit because it would just cause me a little discomfort. She goes I never cheated on gluten. Well, her brother and her mother heard about me and they Sarah was off at college and they got a mill and started milling because her brother's children had some health issues. I think they have warts and my work stories are great. But anyway, bought a mill. She came home from school and they said Sari. We want you to try this. You nope. Nope. Nope. I'm I can't finally they talked her into trying a little bit should she ate it no issues at all and she told me on that podcast. She said I pooped the best I've ever pooped. I have pooped in a long time the next morning. I slept the best. I had no headaches had no adverse reaction and she's become if any anyone My poster child for you know, reversing what appears to be celiac disease and being able to thrive on real bread and freshly milled wheat with the right balance of those protein starches nutrients fiber enzymes vitamin E all the things that bring healing and improve digestion get the bowels cleaned out and the gut healed. So, yeah, it's something that I think excites me the most and I call it food freedom because what I'm seeing is people are in bondage and you know, when you can't eat this and you can't eat that and I understand there's some I have a granddaughter that has a dairy a true dairy allergy and I get it and those are real and you don't want to you know diminish those but we are seeing so many people that the bread in the store totally disrupts their system and causes all kinds of issues were seeing them not only like I said tolerate bread made from freshly milled flour, but bring healing bring healing and I that is so much our Lord that God knows what he's doing in his intentional design. He is all about healing and freedom versus of setting the captives free. Laura Dugger: (1:01:38 - 1:01:40) Oh gosh, that was a big one. Yeah. Sue Becker: (1:01:40 - 1:02:10) Yeah, but it also just one real practical thing as we're talking about gluten and fermentation with sourdough. This is a two-parter because if you feed it with white flour or add that I'm assuming that diminishes effects and if you feed it with fresh milled flour and then add that to bake it in bread, is that like double the benefits because you've got the fermentation and the grain or how does that work? Sue Becker: (1:02:10 - 1:07:07) You know, I can't find any real definitive information, but let's back up and let's talk about sourdough with white flour there for a while when we were still traveling back in the probably early 2000s a lot of teaching coming out going even celiacs can eat, you know sourdough bread and they were making it with white flour and all of this. Is it better than the stuff you're buying in the store? Maybe but white flour is white flour and it's still process is still been stripped of all the vitamins the minerals and the fiber. So, in my viewpoint, it is no better for you. If you're making it's kind of a waste of time if you're making sourdough bread with white flour. Now, if you start milling your own flour and making your sourdough with that, that's a whole other realm. And like I said, I've done lots of studies most what I find when I read is that when we went to commercial yeast, we gave up flavor. So, I get that and that the bread is kind of flavorless now. So, I get that a little bit but as Americans and especially children, we like our fluffy bread, don't we? Yeah, so, kids, you know, don't fret if you're making bread with commercial yeast. That's the way I make most of my bread. But as a microbiologist and knowing that when those lactic acid organisms feed on sugars, they produce B vitamins. That's like yogurt. Why yogurt has B vitamins and maybe your milk, you know, just uncultured milk doesn't. So, I know that that increases the availability of those nutrients. So, I think there is definitely some nutritional advantages that you take it to a whole new level. But what I say that commercial yeasted bread is not healthy and you can't do that that you only need to be doing sourdough, you know, I learned to make sourdough from white flour when I was first married long before milling came into our family by the time I had my children I had vacated that and then when I started milling I used commercial yeast and have for most of my years and we saw tremendous health benefits. So, I don't diminish one over the other but I certainly recognize that yeah, you might have some better nutrient bioavailability. I don't buy into the that you have to do the long fermentations to prevent the anti-nutrients like phytic acid from keeping you from absorbing minerals because I've had mineral checks and we've seen people testify that they had to have blood transfusions regularly because they were anemic all their life. They start milling making their bread with commercial yeast, you know, and they're no longer anemic and we've seen countless people that and the same with me. I'm never low in my minerals. So, I don't buy into that. But I say, you know, hey if you feel like you can digest sourdough bread better than commercial yeast leavened bread. I'm not going to argue with you go for it do it. But I also don't want to put a heavy burden on especially young moms that are like it's going to take me three days to make bread, you know, or it's you know, no, it doesn't have to so that's kind of my stance on it. Do what works for your family sourdough is a rhythm. So, you got to kind of get into it about the time I get into it. We take a trip. I go speak somewhere. I'm gone for four days and I'm like, okay, where am I with this? So, you know, that's just kind of my viewpoint and what I want to encourage people do what works for you what you want what your family likes. I love I've got sourdough bread rising right now. There's times when I just like I just want you know, that chewy that nice flavorful bread and then there's other times where I want a soft loaf of bread for a good Southern tomato sandwich or my kids like peanut butter sandwiches, you know, so do what works do for your family do what your family is going to eat and love and you know, my husband has a philosophy if it doesn't taste good. It's not good for you. So, if your family, your children, especially don't like the texture and flavor of sourdough some people do but if especially if your kids are used to the bread from the store, that's going to be a hard transition for them. And if they're not going to eat it and balk at it, then it's not going to bring them the health benefits that you're trying to do for your family. So, make what's cul
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people. His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them. And great crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, and Judea, and from beyond the Jordan followed him. Reflection This entire week is focused on the coming of Jesus, the major transformation that's happening. John the Baptist is setting himself out of the picture, and into the picture comes this incredible figure of Jesus. And it's interesting that he goes to a Gentile town, not to Jerusalem. And there he starts his ministry, which is so impossible to believe that everyone he encountered, he would heal them. And it was just this beautiful image of a great light comes into the world so bright that it destroys pain and suffering and darkness and evil. It was almost too much for people to grasp, and that's exactly what happened. The beginning of his ministry was difficult because people had no idea what the kingdom of God was really about. Closing Prayer When Jesus came to initiate the kingdom of God, he changed everything. And the most important thing for us, and we pray for it always, is that we'll grasp fully what this new light and life really means. It's not just that we become the receiver of healing, but we also become the partner with God in the work of healing. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260105dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 Gift Wrapped for God What do you think of your new clothes? We’re not talking about the new clothes you might have gotten for Christmas, but the new clothes that the Lord has gifted to you. Our eyes can’t perceive these new clothes we’re wearing, but God notices them on us. He sees us wrapped in “garments of salvation” and a “robe of righteousness.” We didn’t pick these clothes out or buy them for ourselves. These clothes were a gift from Jesus. And he paid a steep cost to give them to us. He paid with his life for us to wear these clothes. More than that, he took our grimy, dirty, sin-covered clothes away from us when he gave us his garment of salvation. Martin Luther famously captured this exchange that happened at the cross when he said, “Lord Jesus, I am your sin; you are my righteousness. I have made you what you were not; you have made me what I was not.” Jesus has made us what we were not. Jesus wraps us up as gifts for his heavenly Father. He presents us to the Father, wrapped in his perfection. He says, “These people are my joy. And I know you'll love them too, Father.” Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for gift wrapping me in your garment of salvation and robe of righteousness. My soul rejoices in you because you covered my shame and sin with your forgiveness and glory. I am precious in God the Father's sight. Let that truth give me peace every single day. In your name, O Lord. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
1 Timothy 1:3-17 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God's work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. 8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. New Year. Same Core. 1 Timothy 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. We affirm that these doctrines make up the distinctive nature and core center circle of Christianity: the Trinity (God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) the deity of Jesus Christ the atoning, liberating work of Christ on the cross the bodily resurrection of Jesus and salvation by grace through faith. At the core isn't an idea. At the core is Jesus. We are not merely to be believers of ideas, but disciples of Jesus. At the core isn't a checklist for sinners. At the core is a Savior for sinners. Legalism does not compare to the love of God. At the core isn't earning. At the core is following. Obedience should flow from internal transformation, not external constraint.
Monday, 5 January 2026 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.” Matthew 15:27 “And she said, ‘Yes, Lord. And even the puppies – he eats from the crumbs, the ‘falling from their master's table'.'” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus responded to the Canaanite woman, telling her it wasn't good to take the children's bread and cast it to the puppies. Now, her incredible response to His words is given. Matthew records, “And she said, ‘Yes, Lord.'” This Canaanite woman doesn't argue Jesus' premise, nor does she go off on some woke tangent, crying that His words are xenophobic, racist, or anti-Canaanitish. She fully accepts His statement, knowing it is right and logical. However, she has words for Jesus that not only acknowledge this, but which highlight them in the most profound way, saying, “And even the puppies – he eats from the crumbs, the ‘falling from their master's table.'” A new word, psichion, crumbs, is introduced. It will only be seen here and in the parallel account in Mark. It is also found in Luke 16:21 in some texts. Of this word, the Topical Lexicon says – “First-century Mediterranean households commonly used small flat loaves both as food and as utensils for dipping and scooping. Portions too small or too soiled for human consumption were discarded from hand to mouth or allowed to fall to the floor, where house dogs—kept not as pampered pets but as low-status scavengers—would consume them. In that light, ‘crumbs' suggests the tiniest, seemingly insignificant portion of sustenance. The woman's statement accepts her social standing without protest while affirming the superabundance of the Master's provision: even leftovers from Israel's table are sufficient to meet her need.” This woman understood the power of Jesus, obviously having paid heed to what was said by others who had encountered Him. She understood that she had no standing in Israel but that the God of Israel was abundant in mercy and was capable of extending Himself beyond the Israelite nation. Using the metaphor of the dog receiving table crumbs, she acknowledges Jesus' words concerning her being a dog. Without finding any fault in His statement, she humbly accepts her status but wisely notes that even in Israel, where dogs are unclean animals according to dietary laws, it did not make them inherently unclean within the society or the household. Instead, they were a recognized and acceptable part of the family and received their sustenance, including that which was reserved for the family under ceremonial laws of cleanliness, when it was surplus to the needs of the family. This woman had in no way “out-mastered the Master.” Rather, she had brilliantly relieved the tension that He faced in the matter of being sent to the lost sheep of the House of Israel, which was contrasted to His innate desire to help this distressed Gentile woman. Jesus' response to her logic will be seen in the next verse. Life application: No person who has heard the gospel message of Jesus and believed that it is true should ever feel that he is unacceptable to be saved. It doesn't matter if a woman was a prostitute or a lesbian, it doesn't matter if a man was a womanizer or a drunk, it doesn't even matter if someone was a cannibal. God's mercy in Christ is without any such limit. People from each of these categories, and an innumerable list of others, have heard, been saved, and gone on to do great things for Jesus. To assume that your earthly status, culture, skin color, or past is a limiting factor in your being accepted by God is to place that supposed issue above God, who created all things. All such things are incidental to your state as a human. It is your humanity that allows these things to be overlooked because Jesus shared in human existence. Don't fret that you are unworthy to be saved. Every other person ever saved has been unworthy of being saved. Rejoice that in our state of unworthiness, God sent His Son to reconcile us to Himself. Rejoice in this and praise His name! “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples! 2 For His merciful kindness is great toward us, And the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 117 Lord God, we stand in awe of You. You have created all things and given life to all beings. We are the ones who strayed and offended, and yet You, in Your infinite grace and mercy, have brought us back to Yourself through Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank You for Jesus! Amen.
FINDING SALVATION AT THE FEET OF THE SAVIOR (Acts 8:30-9:8) For it is at the feet of the Savior, Jesus Christ, that everyone's salvation takes place. It is by no other name in heaven above, or on the earth, or below the earth, that salvation can occur. It is only by the blood of Jesus Christ that our salvation can be purchased. In today's message we will see that in every conversion there are three ingredients that are brought to bear to create that conversion. First, there is the work of the Holy Spirit: The Spirit of God goes ahead to prepare the heart of the lost person, and also to prepare the messenger. This leading of the Spirit of God is absolutely essential. Unfortunately, in many cases, we get ahead of the Holy Spirit and barge forward before He has set the stage for us. We ought to make it a matter of definite prayer before we talk to anyone. We should talk to the Lord about that person, before, we talk to them about the Lord. It is not simply that we need the Holy Spirit to lead us. What we need is for the Spirit of God to go ahead of us and prepare the way, then to call us up to where He is. The second ingredient that is brought to bear is The Word of God: The Word of God is absolutely essential. The Holy Spirit will take the things of Christ and will reveal them to an individual. It is the Spirit of God, using the Word of God, that brings the knowledge of God, and the faith in God. For it is in the Word of God that the very basis of our faith is found. Without the promises of the Word of God, our faith is empty and without merit. The third ingredient is the man of God: When God gets ready to save somebody, He uses human instrumentality. God doesn't reach out of Heaven and simply convict, convert, and save a person without human instrumentality being involved someway. That is the plan of God. The ministry of the Holy Spirit of God is primarily a ministry of cooperation. He will not do it without you, and you cannot do it without Him. Now, it doesn't have to be a preacher, or a missionary, it could simply be a friend or a stranger, that brings to that person the Word of God. It could be by how they live their lives that causes them to ask questions, or by direct witness. I believe that the Spirit of God, uses the man of God, who delivers the Word of God, to produce a son of God, one who is born again. Click on the link below to hear a message on how salvation can be found at the feet of the Savior, Jesus Christ. This is a live recording of The Master's Class Bible Study at LifeChange Church Wichita, KS. Amen.
Praise Series #18 Christian Music Can Be Life ChangingPsalm 35:1-3 “Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord, give praise, O servants of the Lord, you that stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God! Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name, for he is gracious!”I have shared personal experiences about praising God through the hard times on this podcast and at my prayer group. During prayer, we have a quiet time when we listen for words from the Lord, similar to the ones I share at the end of each episode. This day, the Lord kept guiding us with scriptures about praise, like the one above. The Bible is filled with instances of praise. King David, for instance, was a great example of praise. Some of the most powerful Psalms of praise we have from David were not when everything was going well for him. Some of the most impactful ones came from him when he was hiding in a cave from his son or from Saul.One reason I suggested that we listen to praise and worship music often is that it is what you will have running through your head. Whatever you surround yourself with is what you will think about; it is what will contribute to the thoughts running through your head, and it will have an effect on how you act. Think about how different things could be if you were constantly listening to music that told you how great God is, how He is always there for you. If you heard stories of how He has helped others, then He will help you, too. What if you heard every day that God loves you and doesn't make mistakes?This is the transformative power of Christian music. It doesn't just uplift us, it changes us. When we listen to it, our hearts open up a bit, and our hearts soften a bit. When we listen to Christian music frequently, we begin to believe in an even deeper way that Jesus loves us and that we are His. We start to believe the things they talk about. We begin to believe that we don't have to be perfect to come to Christ. We believe that we can be forgiven. We believe He died for us, you and me.My husband used to listen to the WAAF radio station. The station number on the radio was 107.3. It has been around since I was a kid. It was a rock station, and they also had a morning show that he liked. However, now 107.3 is KLOVE radio, which is a Christian radio station. I have never heard of a Christian radio station before. It is amazing. If you don't have KLOVE near you, although it is all over the United States, I believe, then they have a website and an app. So, even if you can't get them on the radio where you live, you can still get their music. They also have all sorts of events. They have a section of their website where you can submit prayer requests, and they let you know when someone prays for you. They have pastors you can call and talk to when needed.Another reason listening to this music can be so beneficial is that they often use words in the songs that are right out of the Bible. When I first started listening to Christian music, I remember being so surprised when I would hear the words to the songs in the readings at church. It helped me connect more to the readings because I had already heard the words before. This can happen when you read the Bible, too, but that wasn't where I started. I wasn't there in my faith journey yet.One final benefit I will talk about today is the fact that the music can reach people that the church can't. There are many people who have either been wounded by the church or have preconceived notions about the church, and so they have no desire to ever step through the doors of a church. However, they could be flipping through radio stations and happen to hear a song about Jesus that really touches their heart. Music is a great way to touch hearts because people aren't usually on the defensive while listening. If you start talking to someone about Jesus, they might instantly go on the defensive. They might sense that you are going to preach to them. However, with music, people tend to listen without feeling like that. Music finds a way into people's hearts and souls that is different than anything else.The radio station KLOVE is fundraising this week. They are listener-funded, so every quarter, they do a week of fundraising on the show. I will be honest: this is not my favorite week to listen because I don't like how much they're asking for money; I would rather listen to music. However, what I do like about their fundraising weeks is that they read so many testimonies about how KLOVE and the music they provide have changed so many people's lives. They talk about the power of the music they play and give real-life examples of how it has brought people to Jesus. I have heard some amazing testimonies from this radio station. I have taken a few from their website so that I can show you how powerful music can be. Here are a couple of the ways KLOVE and the music they play have affected others.I enjoy listening to K-LOVE every morning on my way to work. When I am feeling down and out, a song starts playing, and it is just the song I needed to hear. Thank you, everyone at K-LOVE, for doing what God wants you to do. God bless you all.My husband passed away in May. It has been rough, to say the least. One of the things we did was talk when I was driving home from work. K-LOVE has filled that void. I listen to K-LOVE all the time in my car. Thank you for your ministry.A few years ago, I went through a difficult breakup, and I found that it wasn't helpful to keep listening to regular radio stations. They only reminded me of the pain I was going through. That's when I switched to K-LOVE, and I never went back.I had been praying and thinking about something for a while, and finally just asked God to tell me what to do. Then I heard the verse of the day: Psalms 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. At that moment, God was talking to me.This is not an ad for the KLOVE radio station. I just want to let you know how important and beneficial it can be to listen to Christian music. You can also go on Spotify. This is an app and a website, and they have a ton of amazing Christian music on there, too. There is a playlist on there called Walk Boldly With Jesus Favorites. This has several of my favorite songs on it. I will place a link for this playlist in the show notes. I pray that each of you will spend some time this week listening to some Christian music. You can find a ton on YouTube as well. Just put in the search bar, praise and worship songs with lyrics. That way you can sing along with them!Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless each person listening to this episode today. Lord, thank you for encouraging us to praise you and for creating us to praise you. Lord, please continue to increase our desire to praise you and teach us how to praise you more and more. We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name. Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. “As we're at the beginning of a new year, I want to share something I'm launching that feels especially timely. I'm opening a Founding Members launch for my mentoring community. It's a faith-filled, judgment-free space where we grow together, pray together, and walk through real life together. The start of a new year is often a beautiful time to try something new or take a gentle step toward deeper connection. Founding Members receive a $25 a month rate that will never increase and help shape this community from the very beginning. If this speaks to your heart, CLICK HERE” I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you, and so do I! Have a blessed day! Click Here for the Playlist.Today's Word from the Lord was received in August 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “I give you this life that you might truly walk with me in our special garden, where we can share only what we two can share together. And I ask that you take this wonderful gift that I give you and share it with others.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 9-11; Luke 4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where we journey through scripture together, drawing closer to the heart of God. In today's episode, host Hunter invites us into the fourth day of the new year's reading plan, reminding us that the pages of the Bible point us to the living Word—Jesus, who brings life and abundance. We dive into Genesis chapters 9 through 11, exploring God's covenant with Noah, the beginnings of nations after the flood, and the story of the Tower of Babel. Our reading continues in Luke 4, where Jesus, filled with the Spirit, faces temptation in the wilderness and launches His ministry with a message of hope for everyone—inside and outside the expected boundaries. As Hunter reflects on these scriptures, we are challenged to open our hearts wider, recognizing that God's love and grace reach beyond the borders we set. Today is an invitation to see God's favor poured out on the unexpected, to pray for all people, and to participate in the healing, freedom, and joy that Jesus proclaims. Let's step forward together, grounded in the assurance that we are deeply loved—no doubt about it. TODAY'S DEVOTION: He's outside the bounds and borders of where we expect him to be. He is present with those that we think are disqualified from his care, his healing and his love. They're from places like Zarephath in Sidon, or from the land of Syria, gentile lands, borderlands among people that are our enemies, people that we think are enemies of God, people we think are headed for destruction. And yet here's Jesus preaching His first sermon in a church service and proclaiming that God is with them too. That God's favor, His healing, his mercy, his grace is with those people too. This made no sense to his listeners. It offended their religious sensibilities to the core. So much so that Luke tells us that they tried to kill him afterwards. But Jesus will not be stopped. He will not be silenced, and his message will continue to be proclaimed. Jesus comes to show us that God is not a tribal deity. No, he is the God of all tribes. He is the God of all the earth. And his love for the world and its people is reaching into places that our religious minds and our offended minds say are outside the bounds of God's grace. So let's beware of drawing borders around God's love and his grace. Let's look carefully at how Jesus begins His ministry here in his very first sermon. And let us understand well what the Spirit of God is saying to his people. The good News is for the poor. Captives are released, the blind are seeing, the oppressed are set free. And the time of the Lord's favor has come. And Jesus says that that favor has come to everyone, inside and outside of whatever borders we have constructed. And that is good news for all of us. And the prayer of my own heart today is that I will participate with him in seeing and proclaiming and experiencing the favor and love of God in my own life and in the lives of all people. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. 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https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260104dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 You Are What You Wear Some have said, “You are what you wear.” If you are in a clown suit, you probably are a clown. If you’re wearing a baseball hat, team jersey, baseball pants, and cleats, you probably are a baseball player. If you are wearing a beautiful white wedding dress, you probably are a bride. You are what you wear. By birth, we needed new spiritual clothes to wear. Why? Because, by nature, we are sinful people who are wearing sinful, dirty, greedy clothes. Thankfully, through Jesus, God has given us new spiritual clothes. The prophet Isaiah wrote that, “He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” The LORD himself has given us his garments of salvation; he has dressed us in his robe of righteousness. “Righteousness” is a word that means “perfection.” How did he do this? First, Jesus lived a perfect life; he was robed in righteousness. Then Jesus lovingly made a trade. He dressed us in his perfection and clothed himself with our sinfulness. Taking our sins on himself, he suffered the punishment we deserved. By his death, he paid for our sins so that we will never have to. As a result, we can delight greatly in the Lord! Martin Luther put it this way: “In his righteousness I live, not in mine.” In the end, who are we? Check out Isaiah’s description of our clothes once again. We are saved. We are perfect in God’s eyes. We are what we are wearing—beautifully perfect in the pure clothing given to us by God himself. Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for becoming what you were not, so that I might become what I was not. Give me great joy as I remember who I am through you—one who is clothed in a garment of salvation and arrayed in a robe of righteousness for all time. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
II VÍSPERAS DEL II DOMINGO DE NAVIDAD(Oración de la tarde)INVOCACIÓN INICIALV. Dios mío, ven en mi auxilio.R. Señor, date prisa en socorrerme. Gloria al Padre. Como era. Aleluya.SALMODIASalmo 109 - Ant. Nos ilumina el día de la nueva redención, del cumplimiento de las antiguas promesas, del anuncio de la felicidad eterna.Salmo 113 - Ant. Mostró el Señor su gracia y su lealtad.Cántico - Ant. El Señor, el Rey de reyes, ha nacido por nosotros en la tierra: mirad, ha llegado ya la salvación del mundo y la redención de los hombres. aleluya.CÁNTICO EVANGÉLICOAnt.Dichoso el seno que llevó al Hijo del eterno Padre y el pecho que alimentó a Cristo, el Señor.Proclama mi alma la grandeza del Señor, se alegra mi espíritu en Dios mi Salvador, porque ha mirado la humillación de su esclava. Desde ahora me felicitarán todas las generaciones porque el Poderoso ha hecho obras grandes por mí. Su nombre es Santo y su misericordia llega a sus fieles de generación en generación. Él hace proezas con su brazo, dispersa a los soberbios de corazón. Derriba del trono a los poderosos y enaltece a los humildes. A los hambrientos los colma de bienes y a los ricos despide vacíos. Auxilia a Israel su siervo, acordándose de su santa alianza según lo había prometido a nuestros padres en favor de Abrahán y su descendencia por siempre. Gloria al Padre y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo como era en principio ahora y siempre por los siglos de los siglos.Amen.PRECES“Que tu nacimiento, Señor, traiga la paz a todos los hombres.”ConclusionV. El Señor nos bendiga, nos guarde de todo mal y nos lleve a la vida eterna.R. Amén.(795)
Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 20:1-7. Then all the people of Israel came out, from Dan to Beersheba, including the land of Gilead, and the congregation assembled as one man to the Lord at Mizpah. And the chiefs of all the people, of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, 400,000 men on foot that drew the sword. (Now the people of Benjamin heard that the people of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) And the people of Israel said, "Tell us, how did this evil happen?" And the Levite, the husband of the woman who was murdered, answered and said, "I came to Gibeah that belongs to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to spend the night. And the leaders of Gibeah rose against me and surrounded the house against me by night. They meant to kill me, and they violated my concubine, and she is dead. So I took hold of my concubine and cut her in pieces and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel, for they have committed abomination and outrage in Israel. Behold, you people of Israel, all of you, give your advice and counsel here." — Judges 20:1-7 The scene opens with national unity—but not spiritual unity. Israel is outraged. The murder and dismemberment of the Levite's concubine shocks them into action. Four hundred thousand men march to Mizpah, ready to make war. But notice what's missing: there's no prayer, no repentance, no seeking God's will. They are united in outrage, not obedience. They are loud about the problem, but blind to their part in it. And the Levite—the one who caused this entire mess—plays the victim. He twists the story to make himself look righteous. He never admits his cowardice or cruelty. He blames everyone but himself. This is what happens when moral outrage replaces moral conviction. It feels righteous. It sounds godly. But it's hollow—because it lacks repentance. We do the same thing today. We rage against corruption in politics, immorality in culture, and sin in society—while ignoring the idols in our own homes. We tweet truth without living it. We protest evil but excuse pride. We call for justice but never kneel for mercy. The Church must beware of becoming like Israel at Mizpah—loud in anger but silent in repentance. Before we correct the world, we must first let God correct us. The greatest threat to righteousness isn't the sin of others in the world but believers with unrepentant hearts. Revival begins with us, the righteous, getting right with God. So are you ready to remove the log from your eye? "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." — Matthew 7:5 ASK THIS: Where have I confused moral anger with spiritual obedience? Do I seek to fix others before I allow God to confront me? How do I respond when God exposes my hypocrisy? What would it look like to start repentance before reaction this week? DO THIS: Identify one area where your outrage exceeds your obedience—and confess it. Lead your family in a moment of prayer, asking God to purify your hearts before you judge others. Replace complaining with confession; revival always starts at home. PRAY THIS: Lord, help me see the sin beneath my outrage. Break my pride before it hardens my heart. Teach me to repent before I react, and to seek Your truth before I speak mine. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Lord, I Need You."
On the Feast of the Epiphany, we remember the gifts brought to Jesus — gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But the bigger question is this: What three gifts are you offering the Lord? In this Peace on Earth reflection, Father Jonathan Meyer invites us to look honestly at time, talent, and treasure: • Do we give God our time — even a few minutes a day? • Do we offer our talents for the good of others and the Church? • Are we generous with our treasure, trusting God with our hearts? Epiphany isn't just about what the Magi gave long ago — it's about what we choose to give now. May this Christmas season help us offer meaningful gifts from the heart. Happy 11th Day of Christmas. Amen.  #PeaceOnEarth #Epiphany #CatholicReflection
SouthCrest Church Sunday message, 1/4/26. Senior Pastor Matt McFadden opens our sermon series on prayer, Amen, in Matthew 6:5-9a. An exploration of these verses reveals that God gives us prayer as access to Him as “Our Father”.
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260104dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 You Are What You Wear Some have said, “You are what you wear.” If you are in a clown suit, you probably are a clown. If you’re wearing a baseball hat, team jersey, baseball pants, and cleats, you probably are a baseball player. If you are wearing a beautiful white wedding dress, you probably are a bride. You are what you wear. By birth, we needed new spiritual clothes to wear. Why? Because, by nature, we are sinful people who are wearing sinful, dirty, greedy clothes. Thankfully, through Jesus, God has given us new spiritual clothes. The prophet Isaiah wrote that, “He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” The LORD himself has given us his garments of salvation; he has dressed us in his robe of righteousness. “Righteousness” is a word that means “perfection.” How did he do this? First, Jesus lived a perfect life; he was robed in righteousness. Then Jesus lovingly made a trade. He dressed us in his perfection and clothed himself with our sinfulness. Taking our sins on himself, he suffered the punishment we deserved. By his death, he paid for our sins so that we will never have to. As a result, we can delight greatly in the Lord! Martin Luther put it this way: “In his righteousness I live, not in mine.” In the end, who are we? Check out Isaiah’s description of our clothes once again. We are saved. We are perfect in God’s eyes. We are what we are wearing—beautifully perfect in the pure clothing given to us by God himself. Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for becoming what you were not, so that I might become what I was not. Give me great joy as I remember who I am through you—one who is clothed in a garment of salvation and arrayed in a robe of righteousness for all time. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Click here to WATCH LIVE STREAM Worship Service on our Youtube Channel. Prayers for a New Year, Part 2 Numbers 6:22-27 Numbers 6:22-27 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them, 24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. 27 “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” 1. We pray with expectant hope for God's Blessing Genesis 1:26-30 Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. 28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. Genesis 12:1-3 Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, Luke 24:50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them Numbers 6-22-23 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,… Numbers 6:27 “So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them.” 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Revelation 1:6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 2.We pray with expectant hope for God's Protection Numbers 6:24 The LORD bless you and keep you; Psalm 121:3-8 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. 8 The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. John 17:12 and 15 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled… 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 3.We pray expectant hope for God's Graciousness Numbers 6:25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; Leviticus 26:3-12 “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, 4 then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. 5 Your threshing shall last to the time of the grape harvest, and the grape harvest shall last to the time for sowing. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land securely. 6 I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. And I will remove harmful beasts from the land, and the sword shall not go through your land. 7 You shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. 8 Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand, and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. 9 I will turn to you and make you fruitful and multiply you and will confirm my covenant with you. 10 You shall eat old store long kept, and you shall clear out the old to make way for the new. 11 I will make my dwelling[a] among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. 12 And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. James 4:6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 4. We pray with expectant hope for God's Peace Numbers 6:26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:27 “ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” Philippians 4:6-7 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Respond | Connect | Next Steps The post Prayers for a New Year 2 appeared first on Charleston Baptist Church.
Sunday, 4 January 2026 But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.” Matthew 15:26 “And answering, He said, ‘It is not good to take the children's bread and cast to the puppies'” (CG). In the previous verse, the Canaanite woman came to Jesus and worshiped Him and asked Him to help her. Following this, Matthew records, “And answering, He said, ‘It is not good to take the children's bread and cast to the puppies.'” A new word is seen, kunarion, a diminutive form of kuón, a dog. Thus, it refers to a puppy. The word is found only four times. All four are in the same account found in Matthew and Mark. According to the Law of Moses, a dog is an unclean animal in regard to dietary restrictions. It does not logically follow that dogs are unclean and not to be associated with, apart from those dietary laws. If that were true, those of Israel could not ride on donkeys, horses, mules, or camels. Therefore, equating a dog to something inherently unclean is not something to be found in Jesus' words. Further, Jesus' words about casting the bread of the children to the puppies are not devaluing the woman at all. It is simply a truth that Jesus, the Bread of Life, was sent to the house of Israel, not to the Gentiles. And that brings up the obvious metaphor used in the Hebrew Scriptures of Caleb. His name means Dog. He is used typologically as a picture of the Gentiles every time he is mentioned. Likewise, in Judges 7:5, the dog is used again typologically referring to Gentiles – “So he brought the people down to the water. And the Lord said to Gideon, ‘Everyone who laps from the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set apart by himself; likewise everyone who gets down on his knees to drink.'” Judges 7:5 In that seemingly cryptic passage, the focus is not on how the lapping is conducted but on which animal did the lapping, the dog. The dog, anticipating Gentiles in Scripture, is thus typologically equated in that story to the fact that Gentiles during the church age will lap up the water (the word, Christ, the Spirit, etc.), meaning by faith. They reflect those who will engage in the spiritual battle that Israel failed to accept at the coming of Christ. Jesus' words here do not speak in a derogatory manner. Rather, there is the matter of priority. God covenanted with Israel. Therefore, Jesus' ministry was to be focused on the House of Israel. Only after they rejected Jesus would the Gentiles become the focus of God's ongoing redemptive narrative. Life application: It has been said that the actions of Jesus toward this Canaanite woman show a flippant, derogatory attitude toward Gentiles. The exact opposite is the case. Referring to a group of people by their nature is simply a way of making people understand a particular point about them. This is as common as threads in a weaving factory. Throughout the Bible, the names of people groups are identified by the things they do, the places they live, or certain characteristics they possess. This is true in both testaments. Instead of finding offense in such things, we should try to discover why the name of a person or a people group identifies them in such a way. By doing this, we will understand more about their nature and how God and other people groups perceive them. Further, when we understand these things, we can then understand how they and their names anticipate other things typologically. The entire Old Testament is filled with typology, anticipating other truths that are realized in Jesus Christ, His church, the future state of Israel, the dispensations of time, and so forth. The only thing that is derogatory about the account of Jesus and this Canaanite woman is how people misuse it for various reasons. However, in understanding how God views the Gentiles, using the dog as a metaphor for them, and then in understanding the noble traits of the dog, we find that God is actually exalting the Gentiles, placing them in a preeminent position in Scripture. While Israel failed to accept Jesus, the dogs of the world, the Gentile people, have been lapping up the spiritual truths of the word, faithfully following their Master, eagerly awaiting His return, and doggedly defending His house until He returns. Hooray for the dog! For a wonderful, short look at the dog, check out this song by Wendy J Francisco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY&list=RDH17edn_RZoY&start_radio=1 Lord God, Your creation reflects You in such wonderful ways. You created the dog, which is faithful, loving, infinitely patient, and always forgiving when we return to it. Thank You for what we can learn about You when we consider our pet dogs. Amen.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will . . . make your righteous reward shine like the dawn. . . . — Psalm 37:5-6 There's something sacred about starting a journey—even more so when we commit it to the Lord. I remember a season when I launched into a new role that felt bigger than me. I had my doubts, my fears, and even a few naysayers in my ear. But I also had a quiet confidence—not in myself but in the One who had called me to it. Committing your way to the Lord isn't just a one-time declaration; it's a daily surrender. It involves waking up and saying, “God, I trust you more than my own understanding.” The beautiful thing is that when we commit to trust in the Lord, he doesn't just point us in the right direction—he walks with us. Psalm 37 reminds us that trust and commitment go hand in hand. It's not about having all the answers or never feeling uncertain. It's about choosing to put your plans, goals, and hopes into the hands of the faithful God who knows what's best. The road might be long, but we don't walk it alone. And every step we take with God is a step toward becoming who he made us to be. Lord, I commit my path to you. Help me to trust you in every twist and turn, knowing that you are guiding me for my good and for your glory. Amen.
"This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,' for she was taken out of man.” - Genesis 1-4 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
"Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb." - John 20 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Taking the Promised Land (1) (audio) David Eells – 1/4/26 Tsunami Coming to Flood the Land Anonymous - 07/29/2007 (David's notes in red) This is like an open vision within a dream. This was probably one of the most emotional dreams I have ever experienced so far, which is normally not the case for me. I knew God would keep me safe from the flood, but I felt the fear of God's coming wrath, which made me to tremble. I saw myself in what looked like a viewing gallery made of glass. I could see miles into the ocean. I saw huge, extremely high waves approaching the land. It approached like a tsunami and entered inland. I then heard the voice of God saying, “Go and tell David Eells these words which must be highlighted in red, Warning: Judgment is Coming”. I then saw myself in a huge hall-like sanctuary, and you were preaching. There were people from different parts of the world. I saw Christians that I knew from my nation. These people started approaching me and asking me whether I was the one who saw the “Judgment dream” as they had read about it on the Internet. They could not believe that God could speak through a nobody like me! Praise God for that! The carnal church doesn't understand why God chooses to use nobodies like us. They only respect the great and notable important ones of the worldly church. But God's power is made perfect in weakness. I saw a group of careless Christians in this sanctuary who did not believe that God would send judgment to the wicked nations. They started to walk away in different directions out of this sanctuary to go about their daily affairs, such as work. But what was so amazing was that you were running before these people, with me running alongside, and you would stand in front of their paths and block their way and speak to them the Word about God's impending judgment. You really tired me with all that running in different directions away from the sanctuary! This is our ministry, reaching out to those who have not learned to abide in the safety of Christ. But I admired your persistence. I told God I had never met a persistent preacher like you! Because of the nature of our ministry: Internet, radio and access TV, we can preach day and night, non-stop, even beyond the confines of abiding in Christ, even as we ourselves abide in Christ. I saw that you would not let anyone pass you until you warned them! I was different. I only spoke about God when people approached me about God. Some repented; however, it is sad to say there were many who refused to believe, and they wanted to go back to work instead of staying in that sanctuary. It's time for people to think more about abiding in Christ than their livelihood. If we lose our life before the time we wont need a job. We had strayed way from this sanctuary due to warning the people. We were anticipating the floods at any time. This place was full of rocks/boulders. We had to climb down a boulder, then up again to make our way to safety. Suddenly, there appeared a fair woman (she looked western) dressed in white flowing garments. (The true church of Revelation 12:1.) She was holding a fair baby swaddled in white cloth. I quickly climbed down, and she told me to take her baby because she would not make it. (The church, as it is, will be brought to spiritual death to self through the coming judgments so that it may manifest resurrection life.) That baby was sleeping in her arms peacefully. However, as she handed me that baby, she spoke to it that she would not make it, but someone else would take care of it, and then it started to cry violently. (The man-child's warning to the church of coming crucifixion.) I took that baby, which was extremely tiny. I'm single, but I'm sure babies don't come in that size! (A small body of people in comparison to the mother.) It was so tiny yet very powerful that when its head and body started to wriggle, I had difficulty holding it, and it nearly dropped out of my hands. Fortunately, the lady made it down just in time to catch hold of that baby! (In humbling themselves to the Lord, they will receive the ministry of the man-child they have previously given up.) I can't remember seeing that woman and baby at this point. Because the floods were expected to come, I entered into a huge, tall hotel built upon a rock. It could be as tall as 100 floors. (The 100-fold fruit of those who abide fully on the rock of Christ.) I have never seen such a superstructure like this before in my life. I entered that hotel, and I saw many Christians there who believed in the impending judgment of God. We wanted to change our rooms from the lower floors to the highest floors. (More heavenly, less earthly, 100 fold fruit.) The desk clerk checked and acceded to our request because the highest floors were all vacant. He said that it would cost $89 per person. (The Lord sent me to Matthew 13 when I read this, and immediately showed me the 8th and 9th verse. Mat.13:8 and others fell upon the good ground, and yielded fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He that hath ears, let him hear. Also Psa.89 brings us to the Man-child.) My sister prepaid for all of these Christian families with her credit card. The Christian families told my sister that they would settle the bill for their share of the hotel fees. (We have heavenly credit because of the sacrifice of Jesus but also we have to count the cost of losing our life in this world to have our heavenly life.) The dream ended here. I have been having visits of fallen angels recently. I can sometimes see them with my naked eyes! I just had a visit last Tuesday. I would just rebuke them in Jesus name and they would dissipate immediately from view. I wonder why? (To show we have authority over them in Jesus' name.) Spoken to me: Floods/tsunamis spiritually speak of judgments. I believe you are reaching many nations through your ministry. Your ministry is primarily preparing people to escape the coming tribulation. God is no respecter of persons, and He can speak through whom He chooses. I believe that the coming judgment is around the corner, maybe sooner than some may conceive. As usual, there will be those who are just careless in their Christian life, and like in Noah's time, they want to eat, drink, marry, and go about their daily routine until it is too late for them to repent of their folly. I believe the lady speaks about the church, and the baby speaks of the man-child. Promised Land or Beast Land? Father sent me five words given to the saints at the same time, which He showed me are related. A Detention Camp D.L. - 06/18/2013 (David's notes in red) On January 12, 1994, I had a dream in which the Lord told me to go and anoint a detention camp. (His name means “world ruler”, which probably represents the Man-child who anoints the camp. The camp represents that Beast bondage is coming to God's people, apparently for their good.) It was to be a place where many Christians would suffer in their bodies, putting an end to sin 1Pe.4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ suffered in the flesh, arm ye yourselves also with the same mind; for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 that ye no longer should live the rest of your time in flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. After anointing the camp, I was to run away as fast as I could. The only part I saw in the dream was me looking down upon myself running down a path or road as fast as I could. So I have no idea what the camp looked like or where in the camp I did the anointing. (This is a worldwide camp of beast bondage anointed and ordained to bring repentance and purity to God's people.) Note: There is a warning here for Christians to get their lives in order before the Lord, so they can enjoy the Lord's protection for whatever dangers there are in the future and avoid, if possible, places like this. (You can escape through holiness.) Deb Horton - 06/16/2013 For the past few days, I kept getting repeated in my mind this phrase: “for I watch over my word to perform it”. But I didn't know it was for UBM. Sorry! (I told Care about it on Friday, so I have a witness.) This phrase is from Jer.1:12 Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I watch over my word to perform it. (What Word will the Father watch over to perform? How and why will He do this?) (Below is the text and some interpretation.) Jer.1:1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests that were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin: 2 to whom the word of Jehovah came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the son of Josiah, king of Judah, unto the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month. (As we see, this will be the carrying away unto the Beast captivity of God's apostate people.) 4 Now the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee; I have appointed thee a prophet unto the nations. 6 Then said I, Ah, Lord Jehovah! behold, I know not how to speak; for I am a child. 7 But Jehovah said unto me, Say not, I am a child; for to whomsoever I shall send thee thou shalt go, and whatsoever I shall command thee thou shalt speak. (This is the same conversation God had with Moses the Man-child. Jeremiah represents the Man-child who basically said he didn't know how to speak, and God said, “Fear not. I will speak through you”.) 8 Be not afraid because of them; for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith Jehovah. 9 Then Jehovah put forth his hand, and touched my mouth; and Jehovah said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth: (To release a sword against God's people to bring them to repentance.) 10 see, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant. 1011 (the gematria for the Man-child) Moreover the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod (the “rod of my son” - Ezekiel 21:10 below) of an almond-tree (almonds are first-fruits). Here is Ezekiel 21:10 in context: Eze.21:8 And the word of Jehovah came unto me, saying, 9 Son of man (Jesus manifested in His Man-child body), prophesy, and say, Thus saith Jehovah: Say, A sword, a sword, it is sharpened, and also furbished; 10 it is sharpened that it may make a slaughter; it is furbished that it may be as lightning: shall we then make mirth? the rod of my son, it contemneth every tree (The rod of God's Son will speak judgment on God's people through the Man-child who speaks not for “Churchianity” but God.). 11(again) And it is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it is sharpened, yea, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer. (Authority given to the Beast to slay the flesh of God's rebellious people.) 12 Cry and wail, son of man; for it is upon my people, it is upon all the princes of Israel: they are delivered over to the sword with my people; smite therefore upon thy thigh. 13 For there is a trial (or tribulation); and what if even the rod that contemneth shall be no more? saith the Lord Jehovah. (If the rod of the Lord's son was not there to chasten them, they would be lost. We must lose our life to gain our higher life.) 14 Thou therefore, son of man, prophesy, and smite thy hands together; and let the sword be doubled the third time (Third world kingdom to conquer God's people; there was Egypt, Assyria, and third was Babylon. Likewise, World Wars I and II brought New World Orders, the League of Nations and the United Nations, and WW III will bring the tribulation Dragon of Revelation 12. This third time, a sword will come against God's rebellious leadership and people.), the sword of the deadly wounded: it is the sword of the great one that is deadly wounded, which entereth into their chambers. 15 I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter (God chastens every son that He receives; a humbling is coming.). Back to our Jeremiah text. Jer.1:12 Then said Jehovah unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I watch over my word to perform it. (According to God's will, the Beast will once again make war on the saints to bring them to their cross.) 13 And the word of Jehovah came unto me the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, I see a boiling caldron; and the face thereof is from the north (the Beast from the north makes war against God's people). 14 Then Jehovah said unto me, Out of the north evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. 15 For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north (the seven-headed Beast kingdom), saith Jehovah; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem (the apostate leadership of God's people today), and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah. 16 And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, in that they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods (Elohim), and worshipped the works of their own hands (religions, doctrines, church buildings, of men). 17 Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at them, lest I dismay thee before them. (i.e. The Lord was saying, “Man-child, be strengthened to do battle against the apostates. Pay no attention to their disapproval; just speak what I say”.) 18 For, behold, I have made thee this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. (As it was when Jesus was strengthened to come against the entrenched Pharisees who warred against Him. And I received this same treatment for myself and got these same verses.) 19 And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee, saith Jehovah, to deliver thee. (I received this same text when called on the carpet by an old order religion I was asked to speak at.) So what do we do? M. L. received this word this morning: Neh.9:2 And the seed of Israel separated themselves (sanctified themselves) from all foreigners (This separation is happening. Those who act foreign to God's Kingdom are.), and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers (Confession of sins always brings the grace of God in deliverance and healing.). 3 And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of Jehovah their God a fourth part of the day (humility to the Word brings mercy); and [another] fourth part they confessed, and worshipped Jehovah their God. So they confessed their sins of their fathers which they had inherited through the blood for “the life of the flesh is in the blood”: 13 Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right ordinances and true laws, good statutes and Commandments (He gave us His Word), 14 and madest known unto them thy holy sabbath (His rest through faith), and commandedst them commandments, and statutes, and a law, by Moses thy servant (a Man-child type), 15 and gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and commandedst them that they should go in to possess the land (or take dominion over the flesh) which thou hadst sworn to give them. (They rebelled and left the old man ruling the land.) 16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly and hardened their neck, and hearkened not to thy commandments, 17 and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage (A factious leader, for they loved the fleshpots of Egypt where they were ruled over and fed by the carnal man). But thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, and forsookest them not. 18 Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations (So they made their own Jesus after their own likeness who smiled upon their sinful lives.); 19 yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of cloud departed not from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way wherein they should go. And they confessed their sins: 26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their back (they ignored the Word, as today), and slew thy prophets that testified against them to turn them again unto thee, and they wrought great provocations. (They weren't satisfied to just walk away when they rebelled against the Word of God; they had to silence the Word at all costs; they had to kill the men who sacrificed their lives to bring them the Word. At the same time as receiving this word, M. L. received Psalm 55:12-19 about this, and closed her Bible because she was tired of hearing this. She asked for another word and opened her Bible and put her finger down on the same verse. Psa.55:12 For it was not an enemy that reproached me; Then I could have borne it: Neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; Then I would have hid myself from him: 13 But it was thou, a man mine equal, My companion, and my familiar friend. 14 We took sweet counsel together; We walked in the house of God with the throng. 15 Let death come suddenly upon them, Let them go down alive into Sheol; For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them. 16 As for me, I will call upon God; And Jehovah will save me. 17 Evening, and morning, and at noonday, will I complain, and moan; And he will hear my voice. 18 He hath redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me; For they were many [that strove] with me. 19 God will hear, and answer them, Even he that abideth of old, Selah [The men] who have no changes, And who fear not God. 20 He hath put forth his hands against such as were at peace with him: He hath profaned his covenant. 21 His mouth was smooth as butter, But his heart was war: His words were softer than oil, Yet were they drawn swords. 22 Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved. 23 But thou, O God, wilt bring them down into the pit of destruction: Bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; But I will trust in thee.) Because of this great provocation: 27 Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their adversaries, who distressed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours who saved them out of the hand of their adversaries. 28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee; therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies, 29 and testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law. Yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thine ordinances, (which if a man do, he shall live in them,) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. 30 Yet many years didst thou bear with them, and testifiedst against them by thy Spirit through thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the peoples of the lands (to be ruled over and oppressed by the Beast). So what do we do to have God's blessing and come out from under the curse? We walk in the light of God's Word. On 6/16/13 a sister received Eze.47:21 So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel. But she sent this whole text, which shows us how to possess the Promised Land of rest, milk, and honey: Eze.47:1 And he brought me back unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward (for the forefront of the house was toward the east); and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, on the south of the altar. (The Word is the waters from the House of God to bring salvation and healing to the peoples.) 2 Then he brought me out by the way of the gate northward, and led me round by the way without unto the outer gate, by the way of the gate that looketh toward the east; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side. 3 When the man went forth eastward with the line in his hand, he measured a thousand cubits, and he caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the ankles. (What is the depth of the Word you walk in?) 4 Again he measured a thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the knees. (30-fold fruit of the waters walked in) Again he measured a thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the loins. (60-fold fruit of the waters walked in) 5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass through; for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed through. (Waters of baptism go over the head to put to death the mind of flesh. 100-fold fruit of the waters walked in.) 6 And he said unto me, Son of man (the Man-child walking in 100-fold fruit), hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the bank of the river. 7 Now when I had returned, behold, upon the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. (Those witnesses who bring the healing waters of the tongue to the peoples, as below. And as Jesus the Man-child witnesses did.) 8 Then said he unto me, These waters issue forth toward the eastern region, and shall go down into the Arabah; and they shall go toward the sea (the Dead Sea, representing the dead peoples of the world); into the sea shall the waters go which were made to issue forth; and the waters shall be healed. 9 And it shall come to pass, that every living creature which swarmeth, in every place whither the rivers come, shall live (a great revival of the Word coming when many church people reject it.); and there shall be a very great multitude of fish; for these waters are come thither, and the waters of the sea shall be healed (The word and understanding of lost people shall be cleansed), and everything shall live whithersoever the river cometh. (Out of your innermost being shall flow rivers of living waters -- John 7:38.) 10 And it shall come to pass, that fishers shall stand by it: from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim shall be a place for the spreading of nets; their fish shall be after their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many. (many evangelists will fish for them) 11 But the miry places thereof, and the marshes thereof, shall not be healed; they shall be given up to salt. (Living waters are moving waters; dead waters are stagnant waters, as the Pharisees walk in. They will be reprobated, like Lot's wife, who turned to salt when she looked back.) 12 And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for food, whose leaf shall not whither, neither shall the fruit thereof fail: it shall bring forth new fruit every month, because the waters thereof issue out of the sanctuary; and the fruit thereof shall be for food, and the leaf thereof for healing. (As Revelation 22 shows, the waters give life to the trees whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.) Rev.22:1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, (Only the living Word can do this) 2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life (Pro.15:4 The healing of the tongue is a tree of life... In Hebrew), bearing twelve [manner of] fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no curse any more (the waters of the Word are to deliver us from the curse): and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him; 4 and they shall see his face; and his name [shall be] on their foreheads. 5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light (if we walk in the light as He is in the light): and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6 And he said unto me, These words are faithful and true: and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angels to show unto his servants the things which must shortly come to pass. If we walk in the light of the water of the Word, we will be blessed to take the land of rest, God's promised land of milk and honey. If we continue to rebel against the Word, we shall see a terrible beast bondage. Now back to Ezekiel text: 13 Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: This shall be the border, whereby ye shall divide the land for inheritance according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions. (The land is divided among the 12 tribes [verse 21] by lot [in verse 22]. We are the spiritual 12 tribes. (1Co 10:11) Now these things happened unto them by way of example [Greek: figure or type]; and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.) 14 And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another; for I sware to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall unto you for inheritance. (The promises are our Promised Land of rest from our enemies.) 15 And this shall be the border of the land: On the north side, from the great sea, by the way of Hethlon, unto the entrance of Zedad; 16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazer-hatticon, which is by the border of Hauran. 17 And the border from the sea, shall be Hazar-enon at the border of Damascus; and on the north northward is the border of Hamath. This is the north side. 18 And the east side, between Hauran and Damascus and Gilead, and the land of Israel, shall be the Jordan; from the north border unto the east sea shall ye measure. This is the east side. 19 And the south side southward shall be from Tamar as far as the waters of Meriboth-kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, unto the great sea. This is the south side southward. 20 And the west side shall be the great sea, from the south border as far as over against the entrance of Hamath. This is the west side. 21 So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel. 22 And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you and to the strangers that sojourn among you, who shall beget children among you; and they shall be unto you as the home-born among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. (These strangers could well be your lost loved ones who you are believing for and will inherit the land with you.) 23 And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord Jehovah. When I finished the above, I received this note: Anonymous - 06/19/2013 The broader church is about to go into the captivity of the Beast system to separate the wheat from the tares: Psa.53:6 Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of Zion! When God bringeth back the captivity of his people, Then shall Jacob rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. The Man-child among us will lead the way out of spiritual captivity: 54:1 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. Maschil of David; when the Ziphites came and said to Saul Doth not David hide himself with us? Save me, O God, by thy name, And judge me in thy might. Pray fervently! 2 Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth. The factious will again rise up through the tribulation: 3 For strangers are risen up against me, And violent men have sought after my soul: They have not set God before them. The Word sanctifies the soul: 4 Behold, God is my helper: The Lord is of them that uphold my soul. The Word will overcome for us and through us: 5 He will requite the evil unto mine enemies: Destroy thou them in thy truth. The “name” (nature, character and authority) of the Lord brings the “living sacrifice!” 6 With a freewill-offering will I sacrifice unto thee: I will give thanks unto thy name, O Jehovah, for it is good. Which brings the deliverance from the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places: 7 For he hath delivered me out of all trouble; And mine eye hath seen my desire upon mine enemies. The Promised Land is not for Enemies These dreams are similar to those we have received in the past, which speak of fear moving people out of the area, in this case by train, which would only be necessary if the fault lines to the east and west opened up and main highways were cut off as we have dreamed. And then repositioning us in the area in preparation for many more Christians to come. Moving and Trains Sandy Shaw - 08/22/2015 (David's notes in red) In a dream, a sister was talking to me, saying, “Everyone in the circle is moving”. (This means the local UBM circle. I asked the Lord if we were all moving and got three heads for YES.) I asked, “How does everyone feel about that?” She said, “We are ready to go; we are at peace with the idea”. (A word received for this dream: Isa.26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee.) (M. L. had a dream called “Getting Ready” on 6/16/15, which is about them being in a large house, rather than the mobile home they are now in and getting it ready because all their children and grandchildren were coming. The coming children could have a spiritual meaning, as well as a physical meaning. Many children are coming. Michael L. dreamed that UBM people were moving into housing close together, which is outside the city. Bill had a dream we were there, too. M. L. had a dream that I was moving into an office there, too. We have always known that our housing is temporary at first and we are all renting. Housing has been provided.) Then, from the Walmart parking lot, I saw the following: A train, a document on special paper, and chaos and fear here in the local area, but we were at peace. (Walmart stores are reported to be staging areas to separate the Christians and, according to Eve's dream, a place where some may never be seen again. The fear represents the hornet of fear that drives the inhabitants from the Promised Land ahead of God's chosen. Pray for God's people among them! We do not make God's plans; we merely obey them.) I could not see the message on the document. Then I saw a man's hand as he pointed at it. He shouted, “Can't you see it?” He asked three times and continued to point, “It's right there!” (Could it be that the earthquakes have happened, and as seen before, the faults cut off the interstate and main road, leaving the area. The hornet of fear will drive people from our Promised Land. A false warning from geologists that the peninsula could sink into the waters that have filled in the faults?) I asked in frustration, “Lord, why can't I see it?” (Because Sandy doesn't hear the message of fear, she is not going with them. In one of her recent dreams, she was hidden in Christ, in the underground, when the people were leaving.) Then T. C. popped up with outstretched arms. She said, “Sandy, you know God is sovereign. He will reveal it to you when He is ready”. (In other words, He will reveal what you need to know on a need-to-know basis.) Sandy said, “I see a train that is not moving (I asked Sandy if this could be the train we are used to seeing. The only one that goes north and south through the valley. She thought so.), but I hear a train that is moving (the people out). Then the feeling of dread, like oh, no, came over me”. (I asked her if the moving train could be a passenger train and she said she felt it was. It is a possibility that this train could represent a train of cars leaving town. You can't get many people on a normal passenger train, but of course, the Nazis moved the Jews in boxcars. Then again, if they are going to a FEMA camp, they may not take their cars, and if the interstate and main highway are taken out, possibly the train is the only way out of the area. That way, they couldn't take much with them, which is what was already revealed to us. Sandy's dream of all the people walking or riding bikes to this central city [trains] while she ducked into the woods with others to a hiding place underground could be a clue. They wouldn't need their cars if they were boarding a train. But they may not know they are not coming back.) Amazing words by faith at random this same morning: This morning, Michael L. got Ezr.2:70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities. 3:1 And when the seventh month (on the Hebrew Biblical calendar, this is September) was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. We used to talk about our Jerusalem in this area. The Man-child David and his men took Jerusalem after he was anointed. Notice the same amazing words in the next verse. Also, this morning B. A. got Ezr.10:9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within the three days; it was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month: and all the people sat in the broad place before the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain. (The outpouring of God's Spirit?) P. O. asked the Father for a verse to share. She said, “I felt led to ask Him for a verse that we needed to hear. He put my finger down on Isa.54:1 Sing, O sing ye barren... The whole chapter seemed appropriate. Then I felt like singing. The song that came out of the blue was Christ Arose”. Low in the grave He lay; Jesus my Savior; Waiting the coming day, Jesus Our Lord. Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph over His foes. He arose a victor from the dark domain, And He lives forever with His saints to reign! Many People Coming to UBM M. L.- 08/21/2015 It was a sunny day with blue sky and an atmosphere of rejoicing. People, people everywhere. Where did they all come from? How did they get here? How did they find us? What is their story? My dream opened up at seeing hundreds and hundreds of people coming to us. And I saw some more in the distance coming toward us, too. (This could be the call to go into the wilderness after the earthquakes and Man-child anointing. Those in the distance are those coming later.) I saw quick glances of people like snapshots seated at makeshift tables. More in the foreground were small, white, round tables; it seemed four could sit at each. At a section of white table, close to my observation point, there was a woman who caught my attention. She had finished eating and had kept looking to the right. She had blond hair that was long and was brought from her face to the sides in a becoming way. Her face was radiant as she watched the people about her. She looked familiar but she was different, taller, lighter hair. She will return and she will show radiance, too. (We knew this woman as a righteous woman but she was deceived into the faction by her husband. We had dreams this would happen to her but we also have had dreams she would return very humbled but without her husband who would die. So we think she is a type of many who will repent and return as the Lord has said to us.) This was all outside and people were eating. Everyone had a plate and something to drink. Believe it or not, the food just appeared as people were waiting in line. (Jesus, as a type of the end time Man-child in whom He lives by His Word and Spirit, multiplied the food in the wilderness.) Rectangular bountiful tables were end upon end and row upon row, just to hold the food. The people were patient and kind and loving to one another. (The only kind of people who will escape the Beast.) I saw close-up shots of lasagna being put on a plate. Crispy chicken, salad, greens, biscuits and on and on. The food dishes were replaced as the last piece or spoonful was taken. Where did it come from? I saw no one carrying food to the table. (Manna comes out of heaven.) Since we were outside, where were the ovens that baked everything? I knew our local body was serving but never really saw anyone. It was a busy time and we were servants to all. (A Marriage Feast in the wilderness.) I didn't see any buildings nor could I see if we were in a field or a grassy area because I saw everything from a table-height up. The edges were also blurred slightly, as I took in the scene before me. In the area, I saw no debris from damaged buildings (which will be needed). When people had finished eating, they talked excitedly and were patiently waiting for the meeting to start. This had to be on a raised area so people could see who was speaking. Then again, I didn't see this but just knew that the area on the right was where things were set up. People were looking in that direction. It was then that I noticed the people sitting at the white tables who were close to me had a special glow on their faces. Their faces had a sheen like oil on them that went into their hair. There were dozens of these tables. Then I saw more and more with the glow. (Those who manifested the glory of God by seeing Jesus in the mirror, the Gospel. 2Co.3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit.) They had come here. They had been revived by rest and food. Now they were anticipating the spiritual food for their souls, they had hungered and thirsted for so long. (Jesus, as a type of the end-time Man-child in whom He lives by His Word and Spirit, fed that food for the soul in the wilderness, too. Oh, come, Lord Jesus; we need You.) Some applicable verses: Mat.11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Php.4:19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Luk.9:12 And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place. 13 But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more than five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy food for all this people. 14 For they were about five thousand men. (Not including the women and children.) And he said unto his disciples, Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each. 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16 And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake; and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 And they ate, and were all filled: and there was taken up that which remained over to them of broken pieces, twelve baskets. (We have seen food multiplied.) Gal.5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.... Mar.9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve; and he saith unto them, If any man would be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all. Exo.34:35 And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses face shone: and Moses put the veil upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him. Psa.34:5 They looked unto him, and were radiant; and their faces shall never be confounded. 42:1 As the Deer Pants for the Water, So panteth my soul after thee, O God.... Are You Ready? Here They Come! Sandy Shaw - 08/26/2015 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I saw huge wooden double doors that were several inches thick. They had hinges and handles like those of an old castle. On the inside, there was a large, thick wooden arm that was down to bar the doors. Local UBM was inside, hurrying to get final preparations done. Everyone knew what they were to do, and they did it. There was a man at the doors. Then the wooden arm was raised up, and he shouted, “Get ready, get ready, get ready!” Then he opened the doors and shouted, “R-E-A-D-Y!” And there were hundreds and hundreds of people coming inside! A Nation of Refugees Moving Toward God Michael L. - 09/07/2015 (David's notes is red) I was on top of a mountain. It was mostly grassy, but the elevation looked to be 4,000 to 5,000 feet. I could see for many miles. It appeared as though this mountain was higher, as it allowed me to look over to the other mountains that were lower. I also saw thousands of people walking across the lands. They were traveling from left to right. (Jesus put the goats on the left and the sheep on the right, so this means to go from rebellion to submission, from goats to sheep.) None of them was saying anything. They seemed very sober or maybe tired. (The U.S. will be a nation full of refugees seeking help from God, Who will answer miraculously.) They were carrying things that they could easily handle. (It will be a wilderness experience for God's people. Many will come to know Him. When they do, He will give them a place of rest. Abraham was a sojourner: “he looked for the city which hath the foundations, whose builder and maker is God”. He searched out his Promised Land.) After seeing this, I thought that I should take my car, as it might make it easier (it was possibly a green 1960s Chevy Impala). I looked everywhere for some kind of road to travel down the mountain, but I couldn't find one. (No road down means you should stay on top of the mountain, close to God. Don't take the Chevy; it's a goat that only goes to the left.) Chevy is from French, German (Swiss) origins from chèvre meaning “goat” and, if you use the full name Chevrolet, we get lait meaning “milk”, possibly meaning for the immature. An impala is a reddish-brown African antelope with long, curved horns in the male, and is known for its ability to leap. They are food for the lion or beast. God's Promise of Protection and Provision B. A. - 01/01/2012 (David's notes is red) I dreamed I was sitting in my den with my Bible in my lap and my laptop computer open to my concordance; I often study this way. Suddenly, from the view of the west window in the den, I saw a big black Hummer vehicle pull up right outside the window. I saw five men dressed in military clothing get out of the vehicle; I could see that one of them was a high-ranking officer. My husband was standing in the kitchen between the refrigerator and the island. I stood up out of my chair and told him not to move or speak, no matter what happened. I then began to pray this prayer: “Heavenly Father, please make everything in this house invisible except me, these two chairs in the den and the table, the mattress, blankets and pillows on the floor, and the four slices of bread and two small potatoes in the cupboard. Father, please make our enemies be at peace with us, and please make our enemies bless us. Thank you, Lord. Amen.” As I finished my prayer, the officer approached the sliding glass door to the den and entered the room. He looked straight at me, then, without saying a word, he began to search the house. What happened next was amazing. The officer began to walk into the kitchen between the refrigerator and the island where my husband was standing; the officer passed right through my husband and proceeded into the dining room and all of the other rooms on that side of the house. Then, the officer came back into the kitchen and opened the cupboard, and saw the four slices of bread and two potatoes. He gently closed the cupboard doors and walked over to the sliding glass door and opened the door. In a strange language I had never heard before, he commanded one of the young men to retrieve a large sack from the front seat of the Hummer. I was actually able to understand what the officer said to this man. The young man got the sack and brought it to the officer. The officer then came back into the house and placed the sack on the counter in the kitchen, and then went back outside. Then the officer reached inside the Hummer and had something in his hand as he walked over to the west window; he placed something that looked like a seal across the window, then got back into the Hummer and left. All of this transpired without one word being spoken. I then looked back at my husband, and I was amazed at what I saw. His hair, which was sandy blond before, was now snow white. I asked him, “Do you understand what just happened?” He looked at me and fell to his knees in sobbing tears, and he cried out to the Lord to forgive him for his sins. After a while, he got up, and we discussed what all had taken place. I then asked my husband to pour out the contents of the sack onto the counter. The sack contained two bottles of water, two apples and a large bag of peanuts still in the shell. My husband then said to me, “Everything you prayed for in your prayer was granted by the Lord”. We then sang and praised the Lord together. We then went outside to see more clearly what was on this seal that was placed on the window. There was writing in a foreign language, but I was able to read and understand it as it read, “This house is clean”. I looked up the driveway and could see that there was another one of these seals on the gate at the front of the driveway, so we went up to the gate to take a closer look at that seal; this seal read, “This property has been inspected and is clean. No further inspections required”. Then I awoke from the dream. I got up from bed and just sat for hours thinking about this dream. Tears of joy ran down my face, as I believe the Lord was reassuring me that all would be well with my family and me; just believe. Mar.11:23 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. 24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. The Righteous Remain in the Land M. Y. - 12/05/2012 (David's notes in red) Background note: We know there is a spiritual Promised Land of our lives, which is taken possession of as the old man is conquered by the sword or Word of the spiritual man who then rules this life. However, this dream has a special and more physical meaning to the brethren involved with it because we are in a LAND that was promised to us and others by the Lord, and He has told us that only the righteous will remain. The testings of the Lord and the temptations of self, have proven some people unworthy to remain in the Refuge Land, and they are being removed, just like in this dream. We have heard this warning many times and received some of the verses below from the Lord before. In my dream, a group of people were lying down in an open area and I was lying on my side. I saw (what I thought was in the spirit) an image of me with my right arm ripped almost entirely off my shoulder and barely hanging on by a piece of flesh or muscle. I was told that if I lay that way (on my side), I would not be protected from the strong wind and the result would be damage to my arm. (The strong wind is the tribulations to come and the arm represents the works of the Christian that will not survive the trial unless they overcome. In other words, their works will fail to be works of faith. Mat.7:24 Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: 25 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and if fell not: for it was founded upon the rock [of rest in the promises]. 26 And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: 27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof. Another way of saying this is their works were burned up in the fiery trial. 1Co.3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble [the dark man]; 13 each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. (He will continue in the fire for the flesh to be burned up.) I was then instructed (in the spirit or in my mind) on how to lie properly and in what direction to lie my head to avoid any damage. I practiced this a few times and knew that I had to remember it. I had to lie flat with all my members against the ground. (In other words, we have to have all of our works [arms], walk [legs], head [mind] and torso [heart] resting from our own works through faith in the promises.) I had to keep my eyes away from the wind. (In other words, get your eyes off the problem and on the Lord.) There was a black or dark man lying to my left when I held up my hand toward him in the shape of or forming the letter C. (The Christian is trying to teach the dark man who walks in darkness how to survive the coming curse. This dark man represents either the flesh or others who walk in it.) I thought that the C was a type of sign language, or I was telling myself to “see”. (Or it could also mean that we must keep our eyes away from the problem or curse and put them on C for Christ.) As I lay there in the shape I was shown, with one hand I began to pat each part of my body, as if to verify its position or to draw attention to it for instruction (to the dark man). At some point, there were no other people around, and I started wondering what would cause the strong wind. (Notice that the dark man was taken away. This is what the wind and fire do.) I considered a nuclear blast or other disasters that would cause a strong wind. I awoke and had the strong feeling that the C-shape made with my hand was telling me to see or pay attention. (The strong wind is any trial that tempts us to get into our own works and so fail to stay in the rest of faith that saves us.) When we heard this dream, there were three other people in the room with me, and I asked them to get a Word from the Lord by faith concerning this wind and what it would do by opening their Bible randomly and putting their fingers down. I was first to find a verse. Pro.2:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, And the perfect shall remain in it. 22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the land, And the treacherous shall be rooted out of it. Notice those who are in the rest of faith will remain in the Promised Land. But, just as in the dream, the dark man is gone. This land that all four of us are in and has been promised to us is the Boat/Ark/Refuge, etc. M. Y.'s wife, got Psalm 73, which is all about the end of the wicked and survival of the righteous. Psa.73:18 Surely thou settest them in slippery places: Thou castest them down to destruction. 19 How are they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors ... 27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: Thou hast destroyed all them that play the harlot, [departing] from thee. 28 But it is good for me to draw near unto God: I have made the Lord Jehovah my refuge, That I may tell of all thy works. Then M. Y. got astounding verses about what would happen to the wicked who opposed our building of the spiritual temple. In this text, those who persecuted the Jews as a faction stopped them from building the temple of God (as is happening now) were made to help them or be destroyed as is happening. Ezr.6:10 that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor unto the God of heaven [the sacrifice of the flesh or dark man burning up in the fiery trial], and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. 11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon [in other words, let him be crucified]; and let his house be made a dunghill for this. Then M.Y. got a text that speaks of the backsliding people of God from the Spirit-filled and non-Spirit-filled groups that were taken captive out of their land by the Beast because of their spiritual idols and spiritual fornication: Jer.3:8 And I saw, when, for this very cause that backsliding Israel (non-Spirit filled) had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorcement, yet treacherous Judah (Spirit-filled who had the House of God in their midst.) her sister feared not; but she also went and played the harlot. 9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that the land was polluted, and she committed adultery with stones and with stocks. 10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah hath not returned unto me with her whole heart, but feignedly, saith Jehovah. In the rest of the text, the overcomers who came out of bondage were brought to the Bride, Jerusalem. 14 Return, O backsliding children, saith Jehovah; for I am a husband unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion: 15 and I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding ... 17 At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of Jehovah; and all the nations [gentiles] shall be gathered unto it, to the name of Jehovah, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart. Notice the overcomers shall escape and be given the LAND. 19 But I said, How I will put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of the nations! and I said, Ye shall call me My Father, and shall not turn away from following me. Notice, once again, that the wicked will not stay in the Land; the righteous who walk by faith will. S. Y. asked for one more verse and it was about the wicked breaking their arms, just like the dream. Psa.37:17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken; But Jehovah upholdeth the righteous. The rest of the text fits, too. 18 Jehovah knoweth the days of the perfect; And their inheritance shall be for ever. 19 They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil; And in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. 20 But the wicked shall perish, And the enemies of Jehovah shall be as the fat of lambs: They shall consume; In smoke shall they consume away. A dear friend, Bolivar, asked God what would happen to the carnal Christians in the coming days and got: Isa.65:9 And I will bring forth a seed out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains; and my chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there. 10 And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor (troubling) a place for herds to lie down in, for my people that have sought me. 11 But ye that forsake Jehovah, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for Fortune [to profit the flesh], and that fill up mingled wine unto Destiny; 12 I will destine you to the sword, and ye shall all bow down to the slaughter; because when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but ye did that which was evil in mine eyes, and chose that wherein I delighted not. 13 Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be put to shame; 14 behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall wail for vexation of spirit. Psa.125:3 For the sceptre of wickedness shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; That the righteous put not forth their hands unto iniquity. 4 Do good, O Jehovah, unto those that are good, And to them that are upright in their hearts. 5 But as for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, Jehovah will lead them forth with the workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel. Zep.3:11 In that day shalt thou not be put to shame for all thy doings, wherein thou hast transgressed against me; for then I will take away out of the midst of thee thy proudly exulting ones, and thou shalt no more be haughty in my holy mountain. 12 But I will leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people, and they shall take refuge in the name of Jehovah. 13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth; for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Amo.9:10 All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, who say, The evil shall not overtake nor meet us. 11 In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old; 12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom [the Davids will conquer those who sold their birthright to be sons of Abraham], and all the nations that are called by my name, saith Jehovah that doeth this.
At our first Testimony and Thanksgiving Service of 2026, Pastor Femi Paul delivered a prophetic word titled “Opportunity to go from Obscurity into Reckoning and Renown.” Anchored on Revelation 3:8, we were reminded that God is the Author of divine doors. Doors are that open not by human strength, but by obedience, faithfulness, and steadfast commitment to His Name. Though we may appear small in strength, heaven has taken full account of our walk, and God has responded decisively by opening doors that no man can shut. This is proof that divine recognition is not driven by noise, but by covenant. The word for us is clear. 2026 is our year of great and amazing opportunities. It is these God given opportunities that move His people from obscurity into reckoning and renown, into visibility backed by substance, recognition based on proven importance, and honour that cannot be denied. What was lacking before was not care, effort, or faith, it was opportunity. That season has ended. This year, amazing doors are standing wide open, ushering us into relevance, respect, and God ordained prominence. As God has spoken, the Church boldly responds in faith, Amen. Confession: Father, I receive my opportunity to move from obscurity into reckoning and renown. Doors no man can shut are opening before me. I step into divine recognition and honour in 2026, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Youtube message here! Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 6-8; Luke 3 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the January 3rd, 2026 episode of the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter invites us to journey together through the Scriptures, beginning with the story of Noah and the great flood from Genesis, and continuing into the New Testament with the ministry of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus in Luke. As Hunter reads, he draws powerful connections between the ancient narrative of the dove, sent out by Noah in search of life, and the dove that appears at the baptism of Jesus, symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit and the arrival of true life in Christ. You'll also join Hunter for a time of reflective prayer, seeking God's guidance and presence as we walk through a new day. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the podcast, this episode is all about creating space to encounter the life and love of God together, being encouraged through Scripture, and reminded that you are deeply loved. Settle in as we explore Genesis, Luke, and the hope found in God's Word—let's begin this day's journey side by side! TODAY'S DEVOTION: He is the proof of life we've all been waiting for. After the flood, Noah released a dove three times in search of life and hope beyond the judgement brought upon the earth. The first time, the dove found nothing but water and returned, a sign that death still prevailed. Seven days later, Noah tried again, and this time the dove returned with a fresh olive branch—a miraculous sign, a picture of God's recreation, his making all things new in seven days. Life was returning. Yet it was on the third release that the dove did not come back; it had found life and no longer needed to return to the safety of the boat. Centuries later, this same symbol—the dove—appears again, descending upon Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River. But this time, no proof is needed: the one who is life itself has come. Jesus stands in the place of fulfillment, greater than Abraham, greater than Moses, greater than all the names and legacies listed throughout Scripture. The Father declares him to be his Son; John announces that he will take away the sin of the world. Jesus is the true and lasting proof of life for all of us. This is a message the dying world longs to hear—a message we ourselves are invited to believe and participate in. The prayer for today is to participate more deeply in this life, to declare his message faithfully to a world longing for hope, longing for the waters of life. For my own soul, for my family, and for you: may we know and drink deeply from the proof of life given in Jesus, our Savior. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel John 1:29-34 John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, 'A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.' I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel." John testified further, saying, "I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” Reflection In a way, it seems strange that John the Baptist would say that he didn't really know Jesus. He certainly knew Jesus the cousin, the relative, the playmate. But when he says, I did not know him, he's emphasizing the importance of the moment at the baptism of Jesus, when there was a voice from God saying, this is my beloved son on whom I favor rest, listen to him. Imagine that experience for John the Baptist. It is the absolute confirmation of everything he dreamt about, thought about, wondered about, hoped for. It was made clear to him who this Jesus is. And John was so ready to step away to allow this gift to take flesh and to change the world. Closing Prayer There's a way in which we can understand John the Baptist as representing everything that happened in the Old Testament. It was all pointing to something. It was all awakening people to something that's coming. And we see John the Baptist so clearly naming it, and he was the one they thought might be the one who was to come. But no, he's so clear. This is not me that is coming. It is the Christ. My cousin, my friend. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260103dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9 In Distress The “damsel in distress” is a character often found in books and movies. She is usually helpless, in a dire predicament, and unable to save herself. Tied to the railroad tracks with a train barreling toward her or locked away in some tall tower, her only hope is for someone to come and rescue her. The hero rides in on his white horse and, with superior strength, he wins the day, many times with little effort or cost. Jesus is a different kind of hero. While Jesus won the day, he didn’t do it by coming in on a white horse. Rather, Jesus saved us in our distress by becoming distressed. Yes, Jesus came to rescue us by putting on flesh and being made like us in every way. He knows what our distress is like. He saved us because he knows what it is to cry and to be hungry. He saved us because he knows what it is to have friends leave and to be disappointed with others. He saved us because he knows what it means to be tempted to sin, and he knows what it takes to resist sin. He knows what it takes to have Satan come after him and what it takes to send him running. Most of all, he saved us because he knows what it takes to pay for our sin, as he still bears those marks in his hands and feet. This is how Jesus redeemed us and how he lifted us up and carries us. Yes, he came to earth as true God, but also came as true man. Not on a white horse nor a show of strength, he suffered to save us from suffering. Both as a powerful savior and a suffering servant, he came to rescue us. By being distressed for us, he saved us from all distress. Prayer: Father, you sent Jesus to be distressed in our distress. By his coming to earth and through his life and death he lifted us up. In our distress may we always look to his love and redemption. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
I VÍSPERAS DEL II DOMINGO DE NAVIDAD(Oración de la tarde)INVOCACIÓN INICIALV. Dios mío, ven en mi auxilio.R. Señor, date prisa en socorrerme. Gloria al Padre. Como era. Aleluya.SALMODIASalmo 118 - Ant. Con su consentimiento la Virgen concibió y, permaneciendo virgen, dio a luz al Rey de reyes. Salmo 15 - Ant. Gozad con Jerusalén, porque el Señor hará derivar hacia ella como un río la paz.Cántico - Ant. Nos ha nacido el que es Dios de Dios, Luz de Luz, que ya existía desde el principio.CÁNTICO EVANGÉLICOAnt. El Don del cielo ha penetrado en las entrañas de la Virgen pura; y ella lleva en su seno un misterio que no había sospechado.Proclama mi alma la grandeza del Señor, se alegra mi espíritu en Dios mi Salvador, porque ha mirado la humillación de su esclava. Desde ahora me felicitarán todas las generaciones porque el Poderoso ha hecho obras grandes por mí. Su nombre es Santo y su misericordia llega a sus fieles de generación en generación. Él hace proezas con su brazo, dispersa a los soberbios de corazón. Derriba del trono a los poderosos y enaltece a los humildes. A los hambrientos los colma de bienes y a los ricos despide vacíos. Auxilia a Israel su siervo, acordándose de su santa alianza según lo había prometido a nuestros padres en favor de Abrahán y su descendencia por siempre. Gloria al Padre y al Hijo y al Espíritu Santo como era en principio ahora y siempre por los siglos de los siglos.Amen.PRECES“Por tu nacimiento, socorre, Señor, a quienes has redimido.”ConclusionV. El Señor nos bendiga, nos guarde de todo mal y nos lleve a la vida eterna.R. Amén.(792)
Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 19:30. "And all who saw it said, 'Such a thing has never happened or been seen from the day that the people of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt until this day; consider it, take counsel, and speak.'" — Judges 19:30 After the concubine's body was divided and sent throughout Israel, the nation was stunned. The people were forced to face their own moral decay—something so grotesque that it defied explanation. They cried out, "Such a thing has never happened!" And yet, it had happened—because of their silence, their compromise, and their abandonment of God. Israel had reached a point of no return. Evil was no longer outside their borders—it was within their tribes, their homes, and their hearts. And now, the nation that had ignored sin for generations was finally forced to see the cost of its complacency. We're not far from this moment today. Our culture flaunts what it once feared. We parade what God calls perverse and applaud what He condemns. The Church, too, has grown numb—more comfortable debating truth than defending it. Like Israel, we've seen so much sin that we barely flinch anymore. But evil always demands a response. It won't wait. It won't relent. And if we don't confront it, it will consume us. The people of Israel were called to "consider, take counsel, and speak." That's not just good advice—it's a call to repentance and reform. To look honestly at the ruin, seek God's wisdom, and speak the truth boldly once more. This is what revival looks like—it begins with seeing evil for what it is, grieving over it, and then turning to God for healing. We don't need louder outrage—we need deeper repentance. It's time for believers and the Church collective to rise again—to speak truth into a world collapsing under the weight of lies, to lead with courage when others retreat, and to call a generation back to holiness. Evil has spoken loudly. Now, it's time for the righteous to answer. ASK THIS: Where have you grown numb to evil in your life or culture? What truth has God been asking you to speak that you've delayed? DO THIS: Speak truth in love this week where culture has grown comfortable with sin. Lead your family, church, or circle in prayer for revival and holiness. PRAY THIS: Lord, let me never grow numb to evil. Give me courage to speak, wisdom to act, and humility to repent. Awaken Your Church, heal our land, and start that renewal in me. Amen. PLAY THIS: "God Turn It Around."
Do you realize that John the Baptist speaks to us at every single Mass? When the priest lifts up the Eucharist and proclaims, “Behold the Lamb of God,” those words are straight from John 1:29. In that moment, John the Baptist introduces Jesus to us just as he once did at the Jordan River — pointing to Him as the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. The Mass is overflowing with Sacred Scripture: • John the Baptist • John the Evangelist • The Book of Revelation • The Passover Lamb • The Wedding Supper of the Lamb All woven together in one sacred moment. This reflection, on the 10th day of Christmas, invites us to listen more closely at Mass — to hear Scripture come alive, and to encounter Jesus truly present in the Eucharist. If you've ever wondered how deeply biblical the Mass really is, this is for you. Let's get to Mass… and find Jesus. Happy Christmas. Amen.  #PeaceOnEarth #CatholicMass #BeholdTheLambOfGod #JohnTheBaptist
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260103dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9 In Distress The “damsel in distress” is a character often found in books and movies. She is usually helpless, in a dire predicament, and unable to save herself. Tied to the railroad tracks with a train barreling toward her or locked away in some tall tower, her only hope is for someone to come and rescue her. The hero rides in on his white horse and, with superior strength, he wins the day, many times with little effort or cost. Jesus is a different kind of hero. While Jesus won the day, he didn’t do it by coming in on a white horse. Rather, Jesus saved us in our distress by becoming distressed. Yes, Jesus came to rescue us by putting on flesh and being made like us in every way. He knows what our distress is like. He saved us because he knows what it is to cry and to be hungry. He saved us because he knows what it is to have friends leave and to be disappointed with others. He saved us because he knows what it means to be tempted to sin, and he knows what it takes to resist sin. He knows what it takes to have Satan come after him and what it takes to send him running. Most of all, he saved us because he knows what it takes to pay for our sin, as he still bears those marks in his hands and feet. This is how Jesus redeemed us and how he lifted us up and carries us. Yes, he came to earth as true God, but also came as true man. Not on a white horse nor a show of strength, he suffered to save us from suffering. Both as a powerful savior and a suffering servant, he came to rescue us. By being distressed for us, he saved us from all distress. Prayer: Father, you sent Jesus to be distressed in our distress. By his coming to earth and through his life and death he lifted us up. In our distress may we always look to his love and redemption. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
When God Said "Lights On" #RTTBROS #Nightlight"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light."— Genesis 1:1-3My friend Joshua sent me a voice message this morning singing me the song I used to sing to him and other to wake them up a church camp, "Rise And Shine and give God the glory children of the Lord." It seems he has been thinking about those first words God ever spoke in creation. "Let there be light." Now, in Hebrew, that phrase is just two words: "yehi or", which literally means "light, be!" God didn't need a plan, didn't need materials, didn't need to work up to it. He just spoke, and reality itself obeyed.That word "yehi" comes from a verb that means "to exist." Think about that for a minute. God wasn't just turning on a switch. He was speaking existence itself into being. The light didn't exist until God said it should. And when He spoke, darkness had no choice but to retreat.Now here's where it gets beautiful, and this is where my heart starts to race a little. When you open the Gospel of John, he takes us right back to that same beginning: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1). That Word, the "Logos", is Jesus Christ. And John tells us, "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3).The same Word that spoke light into existence in Genesis is the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us. And listen to what John says next: "In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not" (John 1:4-5).That word "comprehended" means the darkness couldn't grasp it, couldn't overcome it, couldn't put it out. Just like the darkness in Genesis had no power to resist God's command, the spiritual darkness of this world has no power to extinguish the Light of Christ.When Jesus walked this earth, Satan tried everything to snuff out that Light. From Herod's murderous rage to the cross itself. But on resurrection morning, that Light blazed forth in victory, and the darkness lost. It always loses.Later, Jesus would say it plain: "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12).Friend, if you've trusted Christ, that same creative Word that spoke worlds into existence has spoken new life into your darkness. The Bible says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).Just as God said "yehi or", "light, be!" and light appeared where there was only darkness, He has spoken spiritual life into your soul. You who were "sometime darkness, are now light in the Lord" (Ephesians 5:8).That Light still shines today. And praise God, the darkness can never, ever put it out.Let's pray: Father, thank You that when our lives were dark and void, You spoke light into our souls. Help us walk as children of light, knowing that the darkness has no power over Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.#Faith #Creation #Light #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #BiblicalTruth #SpiritualGrowth #RTTBROS #NightlightBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros
Saturday, 3 January 2026 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” Matthew 15:25 “And having come, she worshipped Him, saying, ‘Lord, You rush-relieve me!'” (CG). In the previous verse, Jesus said to His disciples that He was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. However, the woman who had been crying out after Jesus was unrelenting. Matthew next records, “And having come, she worshipped Him.” It is a word already seen several times, proskuneó. The idea of worship here does not have to mean as to a deity. Rather, it is a type of reverence where she would have bowed down before Him, acknowledging His abilities and petitioning Him to favor her with them. That is seen in her words, “saying, ‘Lord.'” The wording of the previous verse implies Jesus' response about only being sent to the lost house of Israel was directed to the disciples. However, it appears she heard His words because she has stopped using the term Son of David from verse 21. This is unlike the blind men in Matthew 20, who continued to call Him Son of David after the people rebuked them. As such, the woman, understanding that His ministry is only to Israel, drops the reference to David. She has no claim on His Jewish heritage. Despite this, she still refers to Him as Lord, acknowledging His position and authority. With this understood, her words continue with, “You rush-relieve me!” She introduces a word to Scripture, boétheó, to help, aid, or relieve. It is derived from boé, intense exclamation, and theō, to run. Therefore, it signifies “to run and meet an urgent distress-call (cry for help); to deliver help, quickly responding to an urgent need (intense distress)” HELPS Word Studies. Lacking any suitable single word to describe the intent, rush-relieve is a suitable substitute. With her in Jesus' presence, the tension of her needs, His set mission, and His human desire to assist her reaches its highest moment. Life application: The humanity of Jesus went through all of the struggles that man is familiar with. The love of God for His creation, despite the sin that has infected it, means that God desires reconciliation with the people of the world. However, a tension exists between God and man. This tension is the result of sin. God cannot arbitrarily overlook sin because He is just and righteous. Because of this, reconciliation without removal of sin is not possible. Thus, this tension between the different attributes of God exists. These things are resolved through the human body of Jesus. For example, sin must be dealt with. Jesus received the penalty and punishment for our sin. Therefore, God can now fellowship with us through the work of Jesus. This process of restoration leaves nothing undone. Everything necessary to restore man to God is complete through the work of Christ. The law is satisfied, sin is removed, and felicity is restored. However, despite everything being done, restoration is not automatic. God will not force His offer on anyone. Rather, each person must come to Him voluntarily through His offering of restoration. This truth is clearly taught in Scripture. The Calvinistic notion that God selects those whom He chooses to save and then saves them apart from their free will choice is not found in Scripture. Likewise, one can see how offensive the doctrine of law observance is to God. If He has done everything necessary to secure our salvation, and yet we attempt to add to that, we mar the grace that He has offered. It is a heretical doctrine that excludes salvation for those who hold to this aberrant view. The tension between Jesus' mission to Israel and His desire to assist this woman actually existed. God is teaching us through such things. In understanding them, we can then understand our own relationship with Him as well. Pay attention to the carefully constructed stories found in Scripture. God is giving us information on how things work in the process of redemption. Consider the nature of God. In doing so, we can resolve the difficult questions that arise in the world that cause people to question His goodness. God is good. But that is not the end of the story. Rather, it is the beginning. His goodness is revealed in His ongoing redemptive plan. Consider it and know that He is working out all things through Christ to bring those who will receive Him back to Himself. Lord God, when we see suffering, death, and disaster, we wonder where Your hand is in such things. But as we learn about You and what You are doing through Christ Jesus, we find that You are intimately involved in bringing us back to Yourself. You not only care, but You are also doing something about it. How great it is to know Jesus and receive Your offer through Him. Amen.
# Higher Ground #RTTBROS #Nightlight"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." — Psalm 121:1-2You know, I took this picture while driving through Idaho, and it stopped me in my tracks. Those clouds rolling over the mountains, that stormy sky pushing up against something solid and unmovable. It got me thinking about where we are right now, standing at the edge of a new year.There's something about mountains that draws us. Maybe it's because they remind us there are things bigger than ourselves. Those peaks don't shift with the weather. The storms come and go, the clouds roll in and roll out, but the mountains? They just stand there, solid and sure.As we step into this new year, a lot of us are looking at some storm clouds on our horizon. Maybe it's worry about what's coming, regrets about what's behind us, or just that general uncertainty that makes you feel like you're standing on shaky ground. And here's what I've learned, too soon old and too late smart as usual, we have a choice about where we fix our eyes.The Psalmist says, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills." Not down at the problems. Not sideways at what everyone else is doing. Up. To something higher, something solid, something that doesn't change when the storms roll in.But here's the thing, the Psalmist doesn't say his help comes from the hills. He says, "My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." Even those mountains, as impressive as they are, they're not the source. They're just a reminder of the One who spoke them into existence.God isn't just bigger than your problems. He made the whole playing field. The same God who raised up those mountains? He sees you right where you are today.As we head into this new year, maybe what we need isn't a detailed map of every mile ahead. Maybe what we need is to lift our eyes up, to remember who made the mountains, who commands the storms, who holds tomorrow in hands that were pierced for us.The storms will come. That's just life in this old sin-cursed world. But we serve a God who is higher than any mountain, steadier than any ground beneath our feet, and closer than the very breath in our lungs.So let me ask you, where are your eyes fixed as you look ahead? Are you staring at the clouds, or are you lifting your gaze to the One who made the hills?Let's pray: Father, as we step into this new year, help us remember that You are our solid ground. When the storms come, teach us to lift our eyes to You. Thank You for being the same yesterday, today, and forever. In Jesus' name, Amen.#Faith #NewYear #ChristianLiving #DailyDevotion #TrustGod #BiblicalWisdom #SpiritualGrowth #RTTBROS #NightlightBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal. . . . — Philippians 3:13-14 It's easy to get trapped in the past, isn't it? We hold on to things we wish we could undo, replaying those moments in our minds again and again. It's as if we are carrying a heavy bag full of regret, guilt, or past mistakes—constantly reminding ourselves of our shortcomings. I know I've struggled with that—especially when I have wished I could turn back time and do things differently. But here Paul reminds us that the past is behind us, and that dwelling on it doesn't help us to grow. In fact, that can hold us back from the new things God wants to do in our lives. There's a freedom in forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, just as Paul describes in this passage. God is calling us to press on— to pursue the goal he has for us. This doesn't mean forgetting the lessons of the past, but it does mean no longer letting the past define our future. There's a prize ahead, and it's waiting for all of us who are ready to leave our old life behind. Let's press on toward the newness that God has for us, not letting our past mistakes or regrets hold us back. Lord, help me to let go of the past and to press forward into the future you have called me to. May I strain toward the prize you have for me, trusting that your grace is sufficient. Amen.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” - Philippians 4:6 Listen to other great sleep mediations on Amen.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.Support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-c0b0d272aadf764c7f3adf9318e176c7{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-c0b0d272aadf764c7f3adf9318e176c7 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-c0b0d272aadf764c7f3adf9318e176c7 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 03 – January 03Revelation 3:14-22 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – January 03 Revelation 3:14-22 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/03-0103db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Revelation 3 Letter to the Church in Laodicea 14 To the messenger of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation, says this: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. If only you were cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm and not hot or cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, “I am rich. I have become very wealthy and need nothing.” But you do not know that you are miserable, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments, so that you may be clothed and the shame of your nakedness may not become public, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 I rebuke and discipline those whom I love. So take this seriously and repent. 20 Look, I stand at the door and I am knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will go in with him and dine with him, and he with me. 21 To the one who is victorious I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo
Amen | Revelations 3:14 | 31 December 2025 - Wednesday Evening | Dr. Brad Weniger, Pastor
If you’ve ever driven a car, you know the rearview mirror has a purpose—but it’s not meant to be your primary focus. It’s small for a reason. You glance back briefly, but your eyes belong on the road ahead. In the same way, God never intended for you to live your life staring at your past. When we fixate on what’s behind us—past mistakes, missed opportunities, or wounds caused by others—it can steal our peace in the present and keep us from stepping into what God has prepared for our future. The devotional reminds us that the past lives in the rearview—it can inform us, but it should not define us. We can’t change what happened, but we do get to choose what we do with it. We can lament, staying trapped in regret, guilt, shame, or anger—or we can learn, allowing God to redeem our experiences and help us move forward with wisdom and grace. The goal isn’t to pretend the past didn’t happen. The goal is to release its hold on your heart so you can press on, like Paul describes, toward the life God is calling you into. And you don’t have to do that alone. God gives help through the Holy Spirit, through wise counseling, and through trusted friends who can support you, pray with you, and remind you of truth when you feel stuck. Everything God has for you is ahead. Your destiny isn’t behind you—it’s in front of you. Main Takeaways Your past is meant to be glanced at, not lived in—your primary focus belongs on what’s ahead. You can’t change what happened, but you can choose whether you lament or learn from it. God’s grace allows you to view your past through redemption, not regret. Healing is often a process, and God provides support through the Holy Spirit, counseling, and friends. God’s purpose for you is in your future—don’t let yesterday keep you from stepping into it. Today’s Bible Verse Philippians 3:13-14“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Your Daily Prayer Heavenly Father, I bring my past before you. I acknowledge my struggles with past mistakes and the choices I have made. But I also wrestle with things that were done to me. Yet, you tell me to cast all my anxieties upon you because you care for me. That is what I do today. Help me give you every aspect of my past that I am holding onto. Whether it is guilt, shame, or anger, I release it to you. Help me leave it there, and in exchange, I pray you will give me freedom from my past so I can step into the future you have for me. Give me grace to live with my eyes forward, only looking back to learn and apply those lessons as I move forward in you. In Jesus’ name,Amen. Want More? Relevant Links & Resources Looking for more daily encouragement and biblical truth? Explore more devotionals, prayers, and faith-based resources below: LifeAudio — Daily devotionals, Christian podcasts, and encouragement: LifeAudio.com Crosswalk — Faith, prayer, and Christian living resources: Crosswalk.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Zohran Mamdani is sworn in as New York City's mayor in a historic and controversial inauguration—what his speech reveals about the future of progressive politics. Meanwhile, after the chaos in Minnesota, new fraud revelations continue to emerge, raising serious questions about oversight and taxpayer dollars. And finally, the New York Times appears to suddenly “discover” ICE, reigniting debate over immigration enforcement and media narratives. All this and more, LIVE on the LOOPcast.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Welcome to the LOOPcast03:27 First Friday Devotion06:36 Zohran Mamdani Sworn In35:10 Fraud, Fraud, and More Fraud52:30 Good News1:03:27 Twilight Zone1:16:07 Closing PrayerEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2 Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.Eternal rest grant unto [MICAH JOSEPH KIM], O Lord,and let perpetual light shine upon him.May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed,through the mercy of God, rest in peace.Amen
YouTube video: Welcome to 2026! link here. Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 3–5; Luke 2 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, Hunter invites us into the second day of our year-long journey through the scriptures, encouraging us to simply listen, read, and be transformed by God's love. We dive into the foundational stories of Genesis 3–5, witnessing humanity's fall, exile from Eden, and the first generations after Adam and Eve. The episode then transitions to Luke 2, where we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the joy of the shepherds, and the dedication of the young Messiah in the temple. Throughout the reading, Hunter reflects on the true nature of God's holiness—not as a barrier that keeps us away, but as a consuming love that seeks to restore and draw us near, even in our brokenness. Together, we spend time in prayer, seek peace, and remember that God has come to us just as we are. Whether you're new to this community or part of our daily gathering, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to experience and be changed by God's transformative love. TODAY'S DEVOTION: God comes to us, just as we are. Sometimes we think we have to get ourselves straightened out or cleaned up—at least a little—before we can hope or expect God to draw near, to love us, to do anything for us. But that's not the gospel at all. We are the ones who hide and withdraw in our shame, in our delusion and darkness. He is not the one who hides from us. In today's scripture, we see Adam and Eve banished from the garden. It's easy to read these passages and imagine that they were sent away because God's holiness makes it impossible for him to be in the presence of sin or sinners. But that's not the picture the Bible gives us. God banishes Adam and Eve, not because he despises them or cannot bear being near them, but in mercy—to keep them from reaching out for the Tree of Life in their blindness, in a way that could not be undone. God isn't so holy that he must separate himself from us. He is so holy that he constantly moves toward us, into our darkness, into our wounds, our delusions, our hiding places. He comes to restore us, to cover us, to open our eyes. He covers Adam and Eve with garments; he meets Cain in his wandering; he draws near again and again. That is his character. This is the gospel: God comes to us as we are, in our delusion and blindness, lost and hiding, and he restores us. His holiness is a holy love—a consuming love, a purifying love—that burns away all that is not of love and brings us back to himself. That love sent Jesus to the cross to break the power of sin, to open our eyes, so we can see who we are in him, his beloved children. The news, my friend, is better than we've thought. God has not banished you because he despises you or cannot stand to be in your presence. He has acted so that a way of restoration could be made—and that is exactly what he's done in Christ. He is present with us, right now, just as we are, and he invites us to participate with him in the great work of renewal and restoration. Let us live in this truth. Let us experience the joy of it, let it shape our family, our relationships, and our world. Let this be our prayer—for our own soul, for those we love, and for you: that we truly see and live in the reality of God's love, that we know we are his, and that we step forward, day by day, in that love. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. 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Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
Gospel John 1:19-28 This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,' as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. Reflection It's hard to underestimate the importance of understanding John the Baptist. He's the transition. He occupies the liminal space between the Old Testament and New Testament, and he's using such an interesting image here. He's saying, the things that I've done for you are symbolic of what's to come. I've had a ritual of baptizing you with water, which is an image of being cleansed. But then he reveals one is coming after that will not baptize simply with water, but with fire. And Holy Spirit. It's interesting, there's so many things in the Old Testament we can see as symbols of what is coming, and nothing is more clear than John the Baptist's role of pointed out that there is something so much more powerful than any prophet or any temple leader. Closing Prayer Father, it's hard for us to make the radical change that the New Testament invites us to believe in and live. And perhaps is because the things that are promised are so extraordinary, so beyond our imagining, that we can be transformed, radically transformed by grace, not by our own efforts, but by gifts that flow from the life of God. It comes to us regularly in his presence, blesses us with openness to that. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260102dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Galatians 4:6-7 Christmas is About Family It’s almost a cliché these days, but it’s true: society has been removing Christ from Christmas for a long time. Ask most people what the holiday is about, and you’ll probably hear “time with family” more often than the birth of the Savior. And while Christians may lament that family has eclipsed Christ, our Bible reading today reminds us that Christmas is about family. Did you catch the good news in today’s Bible passage? Because of Christmas, God has made you part of his family. Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He rightly belongs in God's family. We do not. By nature, we are slaves to sin and estranged from God. But in his mercy, God sent his Son to redeem us and sent his Spirit into our hearts. And with the Holy Spirit dwelling in you, you can confidently call God, “Father.” That is pure grace—the grace of a God who not only forgives but adopts. And what comfort that adoption brings! All of us crave acceptance, belonging, and a sense of home. We often look for it in our earthly families and closest friendships. They are wonderful gifts, yet they can disappoint you, because like you, they are sinful. But the belonging your heart longs for is found fully in your place as a child of God. Because of Christmas, you can call Jesus your brother, and he gladly calls you his brother or sister. And you are part of a remarkable family: believers across the world and across the ages who trust in Christ. One day, you will experience the joy of a family reunion beyond imagining—a gathering that will include loved ones in Christ who died before you. So when your final day comes, you can rest in confidence. You are no longer a slave but God’s child, and since you are his child, you are also his heir. A place in your Father’s house is already prepared, and nothing can take it from you. Prayer: Father, thank you for adopting me as your child through Christ and giving me a place in your family forever. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
As a new year unfolds and the calendar turns, uncertainty can stir anxiety—but Scripture reminds us that while seasons change, God remains the same. Rooted in Psalm 102:25–27, this devotional centers our hearts on the unchanging nature of God, offering peace and confidence when the future feels unknown and reminding us that our hope is secure in the One who never shifts or fades. Highlights Change is a natural part of life, but God’s character remains constant. Scripture anchors us when anxiety about the future begins to rise. God is eternal—Creator, Sustainer, and faithful through every season. Jesus Christ confirms God’s unchanging promises and redemptive plan. Trust grows when we release control and rest in God’s sovereignty. God invites us to enter a new year with peace, not fear, rooted in His faithfulness. Our confidence isn’t in what’s ahead, but in Who goes before us. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: When the Calendar Changes but God Remains By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading:“In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them, and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” - Psalm 102:25-27 NIVI found that people have mixed feelings about change. There are those like me who crave change and are easily bored by routine and regimentation. Conversely, perhaps you are more like my husband, who finds comfort in consistency. The reality is that life offers us both. Change is inevitable and necessary, and finding contentment in routine is equally important. Yes, as humans, we will experience change throughout our lives. But here’s the good news: there’s one thing that never changes - our God! Today, if you are feeling anxious about the changing of the calendar, rest in the truth that our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When feelings of worry and dread of the unknown are tempted to steal your joy and rob your peace, take time to recite these prayers, as you rest in our unchanging God! “In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them, and they will be discarded. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” - Psalm 102:25-27 NIVHeavenly Father, I come before as I enter a new year filled with uncertainty. My heart is anxious, my thoughts consumed with the “what-ifs.” Lord, help my heavy heart rest in the knowledge that You are the Creator, You’ve always existed, and You remain the same for all eternity. You spoke the creation into existence. Your plan for redemption for Your children has remained constant through the ages. When fear of the unknown creeps in, I ask you to silence those thoughts and grant me peace that only You can provide. Thank you. Though I am fickle, Lord, You are always faithful in Jesus' Name, Amen.Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. - Hebrews 13:8Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus Christ. We see in Jesus that You keep Your promises. In the garden, You promised to make a way for Your children to be reconciled to You, to be saved and redeemed for their sins. Jesus was there in the beginning, and He has always been a part of Your plan. Help me to trust in Your purpose. Lord, You know my thoughts, my heart that quickly beats because I am anxious about tomorrow. Yet, You are sovereign, in total control, and are working everything for my good and Your glory. Calm my anxiety, and help me to release control, the need to know every detail over to You. This year, Lord, I ask that I approach each day worry-free, because I know You are unchanging, and You are Faithful, and I can put my trust in You. In Jesus'Name ' Name, Amen. For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. - Malachi 3:6 ESV Heavenly Father, though people are inconsistent and fickle, You are not. You are immutable, faithful, and steadfast. Your very nature is unchanging. I can put my trust in You because You are eternally trustworthy. Please guide my decisions so that I may live in a way that is holy and pleasing to you. Transform my thoughts and desires to align with Your will. I give this year to you, the highs and lows, the good and bad days, I surrender and submit to You. You are a God, who sees and cares about your children. While I am not able to see the future, I can trust in the One who is the Alpha and Omega — the beginning and the end. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Praying for you today, friend, as you navigate the changing of the calendar. May this new year bring anticipation and excitement, not dread and anxiousness, as you trust our unchanging God.Intersecting Faith & Life:How do you feel about change? Take time today to write down one of the verses above on a card. Place the card somewhere you can easily see it when you feel anxious about the unknown.Further Reading: A Prayer for God's Guidance as We Travel New PathsPsalm 102 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
A Prayer for the Overwhelmed Heart by Jennifer Watson There is a kind of exhaustion that goes deeper than physical tiredness—the quiet, heavy weariness that many mothers carry every day. In this episode, we pause to acknowledge the unseen weight of constant responsibility and the pressure to be everything for everyone. In today's episode, we are reminded that Jesus reminds us that rest is not a reward for finishing all our tasks; it is a requirement for our souls. As we reflect on His example of withdrawing to quiet places, we’re reminded that God does not measure our worth by productivity. He delights in our presence more than our performance. Reference: Matthew 11:28 Prayer: Father, You see the mother whose hands are full and whose heart feels heavy. Thank You for being near when we’re weary and stretched beyond what we can manage. Forgive us for the times we’ve tried to be everything to everyone instead of coming first to You. Teach us to slow down without guilt, to rest without apology, and to love from a heart that’s been filled by Your presence. Lord, help us remember that we are not the savior of our homes—You are. Give us courage to say no when we need to, and wisdom to know when to step back and breathe. Restore our joy in the small, ordinary moments and remind us that peace isn’t found in perfection but in Your presence. Anchor our hearts in Your rest today. Amen. LINKS: 5 Habits of a Praying Mom Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
There is a huge difference between computers and the human brain. While the computer transmits information using electricity, the brain communicates its information using powerful chemicals. Let's say that you accidentally touch a hot pan on the stove. In less than two tenths of a second, millions of reactions take place while your brain performs a huge number of operations. As a result, you pull your hand away from the hot pan—very quickly!Depending on the need, your brain uses many different chemicals for communication within itself and with the nerves that connect your brain to the rest of your body. Over 50 such chemicals have so far been identified. And it has been learned that many of these chemicals work in combination with each other so that over 800 different messages are possible.Nor does the brain have set paths for messages, like a computer. In fact, it has been compared to a chemical soup rather than the circuits of a computer. In addition, the information paths in your brain change based on experience. If we can use computer language for a moment, the brain writes its own programs, doing many complicated tasks of which you and I are never aware.We know that the computer is the product of careful design, but to argue that the much more complex human brain is an accident of nature makes very little sense!Psalms 119:100“I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.”Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ; More than any other thing which science can study, the human brain speaks most clearly of creation. Cause those who see this to desire to know more about You, and use me to help them find out about the saving gospel. Amen.REF.: Hammer, Signe. How does it work? Science Digest. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111
A new year often feels like a fresh start, but our relationship with God isn’t seasonal—it’s ongoing and steadfast. As uncertainty, trials, and world events compete for our attention, our hearts can easily drift into worry and anxiety. Yet Scripture promises that peace is available, even in the middle of storms. Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that God keeps those who remain steadfast and trust Him in perfect peace. As the new year begins, we’re invited to fix our focus on the Lord, quiet our minds, and trust His promises. Peace isn’t the absence of hardship—it is the calm assurance that God is in control and already ahead of us. Main Takeaways You’ll learn how fixing your mind on God produces peace even when life feels uncertain. Discover why God’s peace is available in trials, grief, and fear-filled seasons. Understand how trusting God’s promises steadies your heart when storms come. Reflect on practical ways to quiet your mind and resist worry through prayer and Scripture. Be encouraged that perfect peace comes from knowing God’s character and trusting His control. Today’s Bible Verse: Isaiah 26:3 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/26-3.html“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Bible Verse References Isaiah 26:3 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/26-3.html John 20:29 (Referenced: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”) – https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/20-29.html Your Daily Prayer Almighty God and Father, thank You for the peace You give that surpasses all understanding. As this new year begins, help me keep my mind fixed on You and trust You even when I can’t see the outcome. Quiet my anxious thoughts and draw me back to prayer when worry rises. Remind me that You are in control and already ahead of me. Strengthen my faith and help me rest in Your promises, knowing that true peace comes from You alone.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily Scripture-based encouragement. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more Christ-centered podcasts. Read more devotionals and biblical encouragement at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Study today’s Scripture and explore devotionals at:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Faith, prayer, and spiritual growth resources:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
On the first day of each month, we release Grace & Knowledge, a more in-depth article from Paul that allows him to expand on biblical truths beyond his weekly Wednesday's Word.Our prayer is that this resource helps you “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).In this month's Grace & Knowledge, Paul exposes the false allure of unforgiveness and calls us to remember the grace we've received in Christ so that we can freely cancel others' debts through joyful, gospel-shaped forgiveness.
Congratulations, you have reached Day 365! We conclude our journey through the Catechism with the final “nugget day” as we review the seven petitions of the Lord's prayer. In closing, Fr. Mike reminds us of the purpose of our time with the Catechism: recognizing that every part of our human experience matters to God simply because he loves us. It matters to God that we know him, worship him, live in his love, and draw near to him in prayer. We respond to God's astounding love for each of us with our final “Amen- so be it.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 2857-2865. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.